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Public Library and Clean Locality is my Priority ~ Dr. Arti Chawla
Dr. Arti Chawla, MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) Councillor from the Karol Bagh Zone of Delhi, speaks to Bhawna Malik on the pressing issues and concerns of the residents of New Rajinder Nagar as well as on the shortage of manpower which is affecting the completion of the work.
Q: As a member of three major committees - Vidhi Samiti (Policy), Niyukti (Appointments) and Swasthya (Health) Samiti, what are your key responsibilities?
Arti: I am also a Deputy Chairman of Law along with member of these committees...the hospitals, restaurants, health-related concerns fall under Swasthya. The Niyukti part is to monitor or look into the complaints of MCD workers, if they are being harassed by any official, to get updates on all pending law cases and also the number of resolved cases. The third one is concerned with the fresh appointments that has been stalled for now.
Q: What are the challenges that you face managing these three?
Arti: It is too early to look at the challenges as these committees have been formed just a month back. We had one meeting held. I am also in the learning process. Now we will be working in full swing.
Q: New Rajinder Nagar residents often complain about the garbage lying around, foul smell and also the parks being unclean. Why is this issue not being resolved?
Arti: My ward or zone is one of the biggest wards in Delhi. Just before the elections, there was a shuffling. Hence, some areas of Inder Puri were also added in my zone. Unfortunately, the MCD has a shortage of manpower. No new appointments are being made and the contractual workers, too, are either on sick leave or they are not coming. The total strength of the staff is of Two Hundred and Fifty and only ten are available. So the work gets delayed. It is not that the garbage is not picked up or the roads are not being cleaned. The residents, too, must be considerate and act with responsibility. They should not throw garbage on roads.
Q: Are the builders also being blamed for the pollution, since construction residual often is left on the roads?
Arti: Yes, that is the responsibility of the builder or the concerned person. Either it is disposed of in the back lane or is left on the road. I fully accept our responsibility, but residents, too, must ensure responsible behaviour. We have an extreme shortage of manpower but we are working towards it. It is not that work is not being done. Work in the Sindhi Park has started. Mast lights have been installed. A stinking urinal in Sat Nagar had not been cleaned for several years, which has been done now. Public urinals are being cleaned and some of them are being constructed. An Old Age Home in the Western Extension Area is also being renovated.
Q: A urinal placed at the beginning of the Shankar Road market in New Rajinder Nagar is smelly and dirty. It gets worse during the rains. Why is it not being cleaned or rebuilt?
Arti: It will be cleaned soon. I assure the residents.
“The CCTV cameras have been sanctioned and would be installed at all the dark spots.”
“I fully accept our responsibility, but residents, too, must ensure responsible behaviour.”
Q: The back side of Pamposh Lane is now a dumping ground. The boundary walls are broken. Rag pickers, drug addicts are also often spotted by the residents, which can pose a threat to the security of the residents. What steps have you ensured for the safety of the residents?
Arti: I personally got it cleaned once, but again, it’s the same. Who is throwing garbage? It’s the residents. Without their support, we can’t do anything.
Q: There was an unfortunate incident of two UPSC aspirants who died by drowning in the basement library in Old Rajinder Nagar, but that culture still continues. Why wait for another tragedy?
Arti: Many libraries had been and are still being sealed for security concerns. We monitor the situation on a regular basis and would not let the tragedy repeat itself.
Q: New Rajinder Nagar being a posh area does not have any library. There is also a building that exists next to the Satsang Bhawan or the Community Centre which is unattended. Many residents complain about this. But nothing happens on the ground?
Arti: Both of these issues are on my list. I had started the work of the library, but there was some issue with the paper work...But yes, a reminder needs to be sent again. I would ensure that residents get a library. I am answerable to people and would never let them down. As for the Community Centre, I will ensure that it gets used by the residents.
Q: About getting stray dogs sterilised and relocated- what measures have been taken by your team in your area?
Arti: This is an extremely sensitive issue and we have not been issued any advisory as to what should be done. But once we are clear, this issue would certainly be a top priority. All the RWA’s and residents would be consulted for this issue.
Q: There have been certain incidents of chain snatching and car thefts. As a woman leader and a resident, how would you ensure that these are not repeated?
Arti: The CCTV cameras have been sanctioned and would be installed at all the dark spots.
