NEW DELHI: The condition of roads across various Delhi colonies and residential areas has reached a critical state, with widespread potholes and damaged surfaces becoming a major concern for residents. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is grappling with significant hurdles in road maintenance, primarily due to a severe cash crunch and a lack of coordination among different governmental agencies.
In the north Delhi locality of Malka Ganj, adjacent to the Delhi University campus, the road conditions are particularly dire. Residents face the dual challenge of navigating poorly maintained roads and dealing with muck from nearby drains that has compounded the problem. This issue is symptomatic of a broader pattern observed in multiple neighbourhoods, where road work has been delayed or neglected altogether. The chairman of the North Delhi Federation of Resident Welfare Associations, voiced frustration over the MCD’s inadequate response to complaints. “Despite repeated assurances from the MCD, no significant action has been taken. The roads remain uneven, and waterlogging is a persistent issue. The accumulation of filth from clogged drains exacerbates health risks,” he stated.
In Greater Kailash II, an upscale area in south Delhi, the situation is equally troubling. The intersection of E Block roads has deteriorated to the point where vehicles are forced to navigate through difficult conditions. The chairman of the Federation of GKII RWAs, pointed out that while some repairs were undertaken following intervention from a local MLA, the overall state of the roads remains dismal. “The MCD’s failure to address road repairs, compounded by financial constraints, has left the colony roads in a deplorable state,” chairman of the Federation said. Chittaranjan Park in south Delhi presents a similar scenario. Gautam Sen Chaudhuri, secretary of the East Bengal Displaced Persons Association, highlighted the severe condition of inner lanes, with at least 30 stretches requiring immediate MCD intervention. “Our roads have worsened significantly during the monsoon season. The lack of response from the municipality and poor coordination among various agencies is a major concern,” Chaudhuri remarked.
East Delhi’s Krishna Nagar area, home predominantly to the Punjabi trading community, also reports severe road issues. The president of the Federation of East Delhi Residents’ Welfare Associations, noted that many roads in the area have not seen proper maintenance or repairs for years. “The upper layers of the roads have eroded, leaving them riddled with potholes. The situation reflects a long-standing neglect,” president of the Federation stated.
