Delhi’s Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood on Monday inspected several locations in Ward 92, including Shivaji Enclave near the Animal Hospital, R Block Jhuggis, and Rajiv Gandhi Camp, Main Road near the CNG Pump. During the visit he reviewed cleanliness, waste collection, and sanitation facilities.
During an inspection in Shivaji Enclave, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction over scattered garbage and ordered MCD officials to identify a proper dumping site, procure additional vehicles if needed, and divert waste to the Bhalswa landfill for quicker clearance. He also directed immediate cleaning and repair of a long-neglected drain.
At R Block Jhuggis, he instructed DUSIB to reclaim land from the MCD, remove encroachments and build a three-storey toilet complex for women by 20 February. The Minister further ordered the closure of illegal borewells, removal of abandoned vehicles, and construction of a boundary wall at Rajiv Gandhi Camp to prevent encroachment. Briefed on severe dust pollution near Punjabi Bagh Chowk, caused by a cement site, continuous emissions and crematorium activities, he directed officials to prepare a comprehensive mitigation plan.
Sood also interacted with local residents and took note of their concerns. He said the Delhi government has accorded top priority to improving the capital’s sanitation system. Stating that the ten-year tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party and the Municipal Corporation’s negligent approach over the last two and a half years pushed Delhi towards a paralysed state, he said, “Their lack of interest in solving civic problems has left the present Government with multiple inherited challenges. The Government is adopting a scientific, phased and systematic approach to resolving major issues such as cleanliness and pollution.”
He stated that while decades-old problems cannot be eliminated overnight, the government is working with full sensitivity, resolve and transparency. He further highlighted that due to vote-bank politics, the previous government allowed encroachments on 60-ft roads, shrinking them to as narrow as 20-ft, severely affecting both traffic and cleanliness. “The dilapidated condition of public toilets and lack of basic amenities in slum areas are also a result of the previous government’s negligence. Although false promises were made by others, the present government is now facing the brunt of public dissatisfaction,” he said.
The minister assured the residents that he would remain in regular contact with the MCD, PWD and other departments to ensure timely resolution of their complaints. He instructed officials to ensure daily garbage removal and to send photographs of cleaned areas to his office. He also announced that he would revisit the area after 15 days to review compliance with the directions issued today.