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CP facelift still awaits a final touch!

Messy Affair
Last Updated 08 July 2013, 14:17 IST

If a restoration project proposed to be completed before the Capital hosts the Commonwealth Games remains incomplete, even after three years of its initial deadline, surely there is something to worry about.

Connaught Place development work was initiated by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in 2009, to be completed in a year, with an objective to revamp the heart of the Capital ahead of the CWG. The repeated extensions have only deteriorated the city’s heritage market, a major tourist attraction.“The work has been going on for too long. It is difficult to find your way amidst piles of scattered rubble and mud,” says Charu Rawat, a student who frequents CP with friends.

What began as a large-scale beautification scheme has turned into a shabby state of affairs. Interestingly, many people don’t see much change. “There is not much difference in the so-called ‘restored’ Connaught Place. The place was good enough even before the work started. One could at least find a place to sit, which is now impossible in this mess,” adds Charu.

While walking remains an arduous task, driving is nothing short of a nightmare. Apurva Ranjan, who regularly visits American Centre, agrees. “There is no space left in CP. Driving is a hassle as roads and pavements are totally dug up. I frequently drive to the market with my mother. We now assume that the work will never be completed and hence plan our route accordingly.”

NDMC claims that the work has been long completed. “Only the mud and debris are to be removed. Rest, all the work has been finished,” claims HP Singh, Connaught Place project leader. Metrolife saw a huge stock of wooden boxes lying near Palika Bazaar, occupying a major portion of the road. Consisting of the escalators to be installed in subways, they have been lying there for sometime now.

“Escalators will be installed in the subways in the next two days. All subways will be completed by July 31st,” adds the senior NDMC official, giving a new deadline yet again! “Such work takes time. There are numerous restrictions like traffic problems, frequent dharnas and other procedural formalities due to which the project has stretched so long.”

“NDMC says this only to cover up the delays. The actual condition is quite different. Ask us, who have to brave the dust all day. My visits to CP have reduced over time due to the never-ending refurbishing,” worries Neha Koli, an executive working in the area.

The vendors are obviously the worst hit, particularly the ones who earn a living through their humble setups on pavements. Dislodged several times from their original places, these hawkers are constantly moved by NDMC whenever the work reaches their doorstep. “Debris and stones around us make our food unhygienic, which in turn affects sales. It is high time that the work is finished so that we can set up our stalls properly again. Relocating to newer places also has an adverse impact on business,” says an annoyed vendor Manoj Kumar, who sells bhelpuri on Janpath.

With monsoons almost here, the Capital can only hope to reclaim its favourite and the most happening hangout zone by expecting a water-proof, or rather a fool-proof Connaught Place, but that does seem unlikely.

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(Published 08 July 2013, 14:17 IST)

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