Development gets a chance under women candidates, say residents

The councillor from Raja Garden, whose daughter-in-law is contesting the MCD polls on his behalf, says he has spent crores of rupees in the last five years to develop the area. However, residents claim they have not seen any improvement.

Despite the cynicism prevalent in the area, residents are hoping that women candidates would be able to bring positive change.

“The Congress candidate is from the same family as the present councillor, who has built a mansion for himself with our money,” says a resident who does not want to be named. “The BJP candidate seems genuine though. She faces the same problems that we face every day,” adds the resident.
But Parul Tyagi of Congress, who is contesting from Raja Garden, says goodwill will help her win.

“People should not judge me by what others have done,” she says. “Land has already been allotted for a parking lot near Zaini Tower and it will be completed soon. Education is also a priority and I will give financial aid to poor women.”

Suman Tyagi of BJP is also confident of winning. She says people want change and BJP can make it happen. “I have been living here for many years and have seen a lot of issues. Streets are flooded in rain and sewage overflows onto the roads,” she says.

“We will cover all sewers in the area and turn this place into a green belt. The only good road here is in Ratan Park, though authorities promised that they would tar all the roads.” She says even her children are ashamed to bring their friends to their house because of bad roads and garbage strewn on roads.

Residents also complain of water-borne diseases spreading in the area due to unhygienic living conditions. “Many residents here have just recovered from typhoid, but children are started to fall sick,” says Manoj Kakkar, a jeweller in Basai Darapur, which comes under Raja Garden ward.

Karam Pura

Mamta Joshi of Congress, who is the present councillor here, is contesting the MCD polls for the second time. “I want to build a sports complex for children and a gym for women,” she says.

Surinder Kaur, BJP candidate in Karam Pura, says she will make her ward the best one in Delhi. “This ward will not look less than the Golden Temple. Some schools have been shut down, which we will reopen. We will also increase green cover,” she adds. She also wants to regularise illegal colonies in her ward.

Surinder’s husband has been associated with religious groups in the area. Residents say her husband’s record as a social worker may help her.

“In 2007, over 1,200 houses were marked for demolition by the MCD. The then councillor alleged that the structures were illegal. Then Gurmeet Singh managed to get a stay order against the MCD’s move. We hope his wife can repeat such a feat,” says Paramjeet, a resident of Karam Pura.

Jal Board’s  action plan

As its summer action plan, Delhi Jal Board has increased the number of water central control rooms, reports DHNS. “Twenty-three water central control rooms for customer grievances are in place,” said B M Dhaul,member, water supply. The board will also carry out drives to check wastage. “We have tied up with RWAs to keep us informed about overflowing tanks. The fine is between Rs 200 and Rs 2,000.”

Water tanker services in unauthorised colonies have also been fixed.