‘City heading to become big slum’

Delhi is staring at a threat of turning into a big slum rather than a smart city as the civic administration in the national capital has failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people, claimed leaders of the BJP and the Congress at a seminar organised by the Citizen’s Council Delhi.

Cutting across party lines, politicians and former bureaucrats sought financial empowerment of the three civic agencies which are unable to deliver the goods due to shortage of funds.

Over the past 59 years, the municipal corporations’ rights and functions have been diluted. The bureaucracy has been a stumbling block in providing the right kind of facilities for the people’s welfare.

Among the speakers at the seminar were Vijender Gupta, leader of the opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Ajay Maken, president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, Omesh Saigal, former chief secretary of the Delhi government and Dilbar Gothi, veteran journalist.

Former BJP MLA Mewa Ram Arya presided over the seminar. while the council’s convener and former BJP MLA P.K. Chandla conducted the seminar.

All the speakers were of the view that the three MCDs should be strengthened so that they could carry out their responsibilities in an effective manner.

Vijender Gupta said “They must be made selfreliant instead of being forced to “beg” for funds from the state government. About 70% people are living in areas that are unplanned and the national capital is in danger of becoming a big slum, instead of being a smart city.”

The seminar also revealed that the DDA was not in a position to provide citizens with affordable housing.