Delhi markets struggle with poor sanitation as authorities fail to act

Days after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Public Works Department (PWD) clashed over the sanitation of the capital’s most renowned market—Chandni Chowk—other major markets across Delhi are also grappling with poor cleanliness, raising concerns among shopkeepers.

Patriot conducted a ground assessment of markets like Sarojini Nagar, Meena Bazaar, and Chandni Chowk.

The visit revealed that many of these markets are in a deplorable condition, with large heaps of garbage along the roadsides. Broken sewer lids are also a persistent issue, worrying shopkeepers.

Meena Bazaar

Nestled between Jama Masjid and Dariba Kalan, Meena Bazaar is a historic marketplace that lies just beneath the grand steps of Jama Masjid. Stretching from Jama Masjid to Khari Baoli and from Chitli Qabar to Balli Maran, the market encapsulates the medieval charm of old Delhi.

Established in the 1970s, Meena Bazaar is home to a variety of shops selling items such as paan, burqas, embroidered caps, men’s headwear, and images of revered Islamic sites. Local cosmetics and posters of sacred places also fill the stalls, making the market a vibrant blend of cultural and religious commerce.

However, beneath its charm, the market faces significant challenges.

Speaking to Patriot on the condition of anonymity, a shopkeeper, said, “The sanitation here is appalling. The civic authorities don’t pay attention to the entire market. The streets are so narrow that garbage trucks can’t enter, so the cleaning staff just sweep the streets and leave the piles of rubbish behind.”

The shopkeeper, who has been in the market for over 20 years, added, “While the authorities have done some work for the market, the sanitation remains in a dire state. During the rainy season, the market floods completely, causing us to lose stock and business.”

Another shopkeeper highlighted the issue of chewing tobacco stains, which are visible on nearly every wall. “Every house and shop’s walls are stained red because people spit chewing tobacco on them. People need to understand that this is our market, and it’s our responsibility to keep it clean.”

He suggested that authorities impose fines to curb the spitting problem, saying, “A small fine could go a long way in making the environment cleaner for the shopkeepers.”

The same shopkeeper also pointed out broken sewer covers, which cause foul odours and pose health risks. “The sewer lids are broken, and the smell from the sewage is unbearable. This causes health concerns for us. The authorities need to replace the broken covers and improve cleanliness, especially since scores of customers visit the market daily.”

Imram Khan, a restaurant owner, shared his distressing experience during the monsoon season. “The market was submerged in knee-deep water. It entered my restaurant, and we suffered significant losses. This happens every year, yet the civic authorities remain indifferent.”

Khan added, “No one cares about the shopkeepers here. The drains are clogged, and they aren’t desilted before the monsoons, causing them to overflow. This should be addressed by the civic agencies as a priority.”

Despite numerous complaints from shopkeepers, many issues remain unresolved, leaving this historic market struggling under poor sanitation and broken infrastructure.

Chandini Chowk market

Located in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is one of India’s oldest and busiest markets, brimming with a rich blend of history, commerce, and culture.

Established by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, this market stretches from the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid, carrying over 350 years of trading legacy.

Its bustling lanes are lined with shops selling everything from jewellery to street food, with notable highlights including Paranthe Wali Gali, Kinari Bazaar for wedding apparel, and Dariba Kalan for silver jewellery. While the market offers a sensory overload, it also holds significant historical landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

However, despite its popularity, Chandni Chowk suffers from severe sanitation problems. Heaps of garbage are visible on the roadside, causing frustration among shop owners.

A bag shop owner, who wished to remain unnamed, said, “The sanitation situation has deteriorated because the cleaning staff have stopped coming. As a result, the waste is left piling up on the streets.”

He added, “The civic agencies need to stop passing the blame and address the problem. This market, which attracts thousands daily, is suffering.”

Sanjay Singhal, another shop owner, agreed, saying, “The place is a mess. Public dustbins are overflowing, and both shopkeepers and the general public are suffering. I hope the authorities take notice and resolve this issue soon.”

Both Meena Bazaar and Chandni Chowk markets are under the jurisdiction of the Aam Aadmi Party-run Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Commenting on the issue, the MCD spokesperson said, “The municipal corporation has deployed adequate sanitation staff to ensure the cleanliness of the biggest markets under its jurisdiction. We are committed to facilitating shopkeepers with a healthy and clean environment.”

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Sarojini Nagar market

Situated in the upscale area of South Delhi, Sarojini Nagar Market is renowned for its bargain prices and wide selection of clothing and accessories, making it one of Delhi’s top shopping destinations. Known for its daily wear options, the market attracts shoppers from all corners of the city with its affordable offerings.

While the sanitation conditions at Sarojini Nagar are better than at Meena Bazaar, improvements are still needed to provide a healthier environment for shopkeepers and shoppers alike.

A men’s wear shopkeeper, who has been in the market for 35 years, said, “Nothing has changed here in decades. The civic agencies are still indifferent to the issues we face, particularly regarding sanitation and hygiene.”

“Lakhs of customers visit the market each month, and while it’s one of the most famous shopping spots in Delhi, sanitation remains a major problem. The roads are riddled with potholes and covered in dust. We’ve raised this issue countless times, but nothing ever changes,” he added.

A street vendor echoed these concerns, saying, “Shopkeepers are partly to blame for the poor sanitation. Many don’t use dustbins and throw waste like polybags and cartons onto the street.”

He continued, “The cleaning staff come regularly, but to maintain cleanliness, shopkeepers need to stop dumping their rubbish outside. Hawkers also leave behind packaging and other waste, assuming the cleaners will take care of it.”

“Civic agencies can’t solve this alone— shopkeepers must cooperate to keep the environment clean,” he stressed.

The Centre-run New Delhi Municipal Council, responsible for the upkeep of the Sarojini Nagar Market, said it is carrying out evening and night sweeping in the commercial areas by deploying adequate number of santitaion workers. “Skeletal services are also on Sundays and Holidays,” said an NDMC spokesperson.

“NDMC is committed to providing a hygienic and clean environment to the people residing in the areas under its jurisdiction,” added the spokesperson.

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Mayor orders action

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi recently inspected Chandni Chowk to address the ongoing cleanliness and sanitation concerns raised by local residents and vendors.

In response, Mayor Oberoi announced the introduction of a night shift cleaning crew to complement the existing morning and afternoon teams. This marks the first time such a shift has been introduced in the area.

As part of a three-point agenda to improve sanitation, the Mayor also instructed the Deputy Commissioner to present a plan within a week for acquiring modern cleaning equipment.

“The municipal corporation is committed to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in public spaces, ensuring a healthy environment for residents, vendors, and tourists,” Oberoi stated.