Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena expressed dismay during his visit to Chandni Chowk on Tuesday, highlighting the substandard condition of the pedestrianized thoroughfare in the historic market of the old city.
Accompanied by officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Saxena detailed the prevailing conditions in the area through a series of posts on social media platform X.
In his posts, Saxena pointed out the dilapidated state of basic civic services, inadequate sanitation, and deplorable upkeep resulting from years of neglect. He criticized the lack of essential coordination between various departments and agencies, emphasizing that it had undermined the very purpose of pedestrianizing the main thoroughfare.
“This neglect has transformed the proud heritage of the National Capital into an unorganized nightmare for traffic, visitors, traders, and devotees. I have directed PWD officials to undertake deep cleaning and repairs of roads, footpaths, and bollards buried under layers of dirt and dust,” he stated in another post on X.
Saxena highlighted the dismal condition of the central verge, citing crumbling railings and damaged shrubs. He promptly instructed for their immediate repair.
The LG also mandated the MCD to ensure uniform facades for shops and other commercial establishments.
Sources within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government revealed that the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation had developed and transferred all assets to the PWD for upkeep, maintenance, and sanitation. Consequently, they asserted that the PWD Secretary bore responsibility for any lapses.
Referring to the GNCTD (Amendment) Act, the sources emphasized that the Delhi government lacked the authority to take action against officers. All powers to address such matters rested with the LG.
In light of Saxena’s dissatisfaction with the PWD’s performance, the AAP government suggested the immediate suspension of the PWD Secretary, holding them accountable for the shortcomings.
(with PTI inputs)
