Neglected Delhi libraries in resettlement colonies struggle amid crime, decay, and apathy

Delhi libraries: Neglected and crumbling, Delhi Public Library’s (DPL) branch es in resettlement colonies serve as grim reminders of the government’s failure to uplift marginalised com munities. Once symbols of progress and literacy, these libraries now struggle with crime, decay, and indifference—a testament to decades of systemic neglect.

Broken window panes hang precariously from their hinges, missing glass panels, and garbage litter the periphery. It’s a familiar sight for anyone visiting DPL’s once noble initiative in these colonies. Generations of governmental apa thy and discrimination have left these areas languishing, still waiting for a long-overdue facelift Broken window panes hang precariously from their hinges, missing glass panels, and garbage litter the periphery. It’s a familiar sight for anyone visiting DPL’s once noble initiative in these colonies. Generations of governmental apathy and discrimination have left these areas languishing, still waiting for a long-overdue facelift

Forgotten and decaying

The Delhi Public Library (DPL) was established in 1951 with financial and technical support from UNESCO, with the aim of providing free and accessible library and information services to Delhi’s citizens. Another goal has always been to provide an informal space for the exchange of ideas and values among the members. The establishment of DPL was one of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s first steps towards improving the literacy rate in the country. Today, DPL operates under the Centre’s Culture Ministry.

However, despite being under the union government’s purview, the libraries remain neglected, waiting for much-needed attention and care.

Currently, the national capital is home to nine DPL branches in resettlement colonies—Dakshinpuri, Kalyanpuri, Nand Nagri, Seelampur, Aruna Nagar, Sangam Park, Wazirpur, Shakurpur, and Jawalapuri.

These libraries were set up for the “weaker sections of society” to provide access to books, newspapers, and other reading materials.

However, the establishment of these libraries comes with the hefty price of maintaining them, and the welfare of the poorest sections of society remains neglected for long periods.

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Kalyanpuri library

Located inside the resettlement colony of Kalyanpuri, the library stands amid piles of debris, garbage, and human excreta scattered across its premises. Residents of the locality mostly visit the library’s grounds to dump garbage or relieve themselves against its boundary walls. A lack of security has made the atmosphere unsafe for readers to find solace within its walls. Although the building also houses the local Delhi Development Authority (DDA) office on the first floor, the upkeep of the premises has fallen into disrepair.

According to the librarian, Ashok Kumar, the number of library members from the locality has dwindled since the pandemic. Most have stopped coming due to a lack of security and the basic requirements for a decent experience.

“We had nearly 500 members right before the pandemic, but after that, the numbers dropped significantly. Currently, we have just 100 members, and only 50 of them come to the library every month— though even that is a generous estimate. These new members were inducted after a free membership drive,” he said.

The library has effectively become an alternate employment scheme for the residents. Kumar added that each week, something or the other gets stolen, and due to a lack of security, the library is powerless to act.

“Earlier this week, someone stole almost all the window grills. We’ve had fans stolen, a printer stolen, and even a few books taken, but there’s not much I can do. This place has become a den for drug dealers and users, alongside local goons who usually hang out in the back yard in the afternoons,” he said.

Neglect and red tape

Ashok Kumar has been trying to bring these issues to the attention of the authorities, but he has been met with indifference for a long time.

“We only hold one meeting a year. Sometimes the meeting is delayed to every two years when decisions are made, which makes it difficult to address our issues,” he said.

According to the website, the last annual report was published during 2021-22, and librarians allege that the last meeting took place during that period. This has left them with rooms full of tattered and discarded books with nowhere to send them.

“Each month, we have to put aside books discarded from our inventory due to damage or age. After that, there’s a lengthy process to return them to the ministry and receive newer books in exchange. They set up a meeting with the board members, and all the libraries send in their list of books to be returned. Then, after a couple of months, we receive a new set of books. The entire process takes over a year,” said Mohan Das, the librarian at Seelampur’s DPL.

The library at Seelampur also faces a similar predicament due to a lack of members. Adding to the problem, a lack of water supply to the lavatories has made it unhygienic to even set foot inside the library.

Poor conditions

The reduction in members has arisen due to the lack of routine sanitation drives at the site, which has further decreased the number of readers visiting the library. However, Das insists that the reduction is mostly due to the better availability of digital publications on the Internet. “Why would anyone come here if they have easy access to everything available at the library on their phones? Visitors still come, but they mostly come to borrow books,” he said.

The Seelampur library has seen a decline in membership from 500 to just 100 since the pandemic began.

A similar reduction was observed at Aruna Nagar’s DPL. According to librarian Harish Sharma, the library’s location atop a night shelter has led to people cancelling their memberships each year. “I’ve been able to increase membership by adding seven new members in August, and I aim to add 10 in September. However, there has been a massive decrease in the number of members, as most did not renew their memberships after the pandemic. Additionally, the rain basera downstairs has made the library largely inaccessible to women in the locality,” he said.

Many libraries, both under the Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party led government, have been set up atop night shelters. “Sultanpuri’s library has seen a significant reduction in members due to the night shelter housing many miscreants,” Sharma said.

Currently, Sharma is paying for water dispensers and a separate reading room out of his own pock et, but luck has not been on his side.

“I set up a separate room for members in the library. Since it’s a resettlement colony, most households don’t have enough space for students to study in peace. That’s why I created this reading room, but within a few weeks, someone stole all the fans and broke open the switchboard,” he said.

“I try to contribute Rs 2,000 each month towards the library’s upkeep, but there is no government support,” he added.

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Makeshift home

Encroachment has led to massive issues at these libraries as well. Many of the premises have turned into makeshift homes for residents. This has been a particular issue at Sangam Park’s DPL, where a family of six has started living.

Although the library has been closed for the past five days due to the librarian being on leave, no replacement has been sent. Meanwhile, Raj Kumar (name changed) and his family reside inside with two stray dogs guarding them. “Because of the dogs, many visitors are wary of coming inside,” he said, smiling with pride.

On the other hand, Kumar’s wife pointed out that a few visitors still come on occasion. “Some students do visit, but it’s not a lot, and some of them are chased away by our dogs,” she said.

Unfortunately, because these libraries are located in resettlement colonies, residents have no choice but to visit them, as they lack enough space in their homes.

“I come here to prepare for my judge’s examination because there isn’t enough space at home, and I can’t study in peace there. Besides, I have my own cases to handle,” said Manmohan, a practicing lawyer at Tis Hazari court.

Encroachment, security issues, and inadequate maintenance have driven away members and under mined the libraries’ original purpose of providing accessible education. With dwindling attendance and escalating challenges, the need for immediate and effective intervention is critical to restore these libraries to their intended role as vital community resources.