Delhi: Chandni Chowk beautification project failed due to poor planning

The Rs 99-crore Chandni Chowk beautification project has “completely failed” due to the previous government’s poor planning and lack of a long-term maintenance strategy, the Chandni Chowk Nagrik Manch alleged on Tuesday.

Citing deteriorating conditions of the market, the forum has written to the Delhi Mayor, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner and senior political leaders demanding immediate action.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh, Delhi BJP spokesperson and the forum’s general secretary Praveen Shankar Kapoor, claimed that political apathy by the area’s elected representatives, most of whom belong to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has enabled illegal encroachments and rampant violation of civic norms.

“All MLAs and municipal councillors from Chandni Chowk and nearby areas belong to AAP. Under their political protection, illegal rickshaws and encroachments are flourishing, while cleanliness has been completely neglected,” Kapoor said.

He alleged that whenever MP Praveen Khandelwal inspects the area with officials and issues instructions to clear encroachments or improve sanitation, the AAP councillors intervene to block action, instructing aligned inspectors to ignore the directives.

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Boating at Delhi’s Purana Qila now close to reality, trials begin

Purana Qila: A leisurely boat ride along the ancient walls of Delhi’s Purana Qila is now a possibility, as boating trials began this week at the historic site’s artificial lake. The new feature aims to offer tourists a refreshing experience amid centuries-old heritage.

After nearly nine years, the long-awaited plan has finally taken shape after the Archaeological Survey of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sabhyata Foundation which is overseeing the project. The trial run of the boating service will continue till August, an official said.

He said the boating services for public will formally be inaugurated on September 1.

CEO of Sabhyata Foundation Ajay Verma said, “Twenty boats — 10 with four seats and 10 with three seats — will be made available to visitors. The entry point for boating will be from Talaki Darwaza, and the water body, once a protective moat, now stretches about 640 metres.”