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Chandni Chowk Revamp in Disarray: ₹99 Crore Project Plagued by Neglect

New Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, once envisioned as a model of urban rejuvenation after a ₹99 crore revamp in September 2021, is now struggling with neglect. The main Chandni Chowk Avenue Road, stretching between the Red Fort and Fatehpuri mosque, is marred by garbage, overcrowded pavements due to rickshaws, and poorly maintained street furniture. What was intended as a non-motorized, pedestrian-amiable zone has become an illegal parking area.

Deteriorating Conditions Spark urgent Calls for Action

Traders and residents are urgently appealing to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for intervention to address the rapidly deteriorating conditions. Sanjay Bhargava, president of the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, described the situation as “alarming,” citing sanitation problems, unauthorized construction, encroachment, and hazardous traffic conditions. Concerns also include mobile snatching and harassment, contributing to the area’s decline.

Praveen Shankar kapoor, Delhi BJP spokesperson, has formally requested immediate action from the Delhi mayor, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner, and Delhi chief minister. Kapoor stated that the beautification project has “completely failed” due to “poor planning” and the absence of a sustainable maintenance strategy.

Project Details and Current status

The redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, a flagship project of the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, took place between 2019 and 2021. The initial phase involved burying utilities underground and creating dedicated lanes for non-motorized transport and walkways. The project also included installing toilets, benches, and bollards. Refurbished cycle rickshaws were introduced, and vehicular movement was restricted.

However, the second phase, which focused on façade restoration by SRDC and PWD, never materialized. consequently, the progress achieved in the first phase is being eroded by neglect.

Did You Know? The Chandni Chowk redevelopment project was initially conceived by the Congress government in 2006 but faced prolonged delays before its launch in December 2018, following Delhi High Court directives.

Official Response and Ground Reality

Mayor Raja iqbal Singh has pledged to inspect the entire stretch within three days, accompanied by senior officials, to identify necessary interventions. He also promised weekly inspections to ensure improved maintenance.However, PWD has not yet commented on the matter.

A recent spot check revealed important maintenance deficiencies and disregard for regulations. Red sandstone fixtures are damaged and stained, the central verge’s green belt is poorly maintained with missing railings, and surfaces, such as those in the clock market, remain unrepaired after being dug up.

Bara Singha, an umbrella shop owner, attributed the poor upkeep to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). He pointed out blackened red stone slabs and missing or broken barriers around green islands, with many plants having withered. Parts of the pavements are occupied by vendors selling various goods.

Sahil Khan, a visitor, suggested incorporating dedicated spaces for vendors, acknowledging their need for alternative locations if removed. The number of rickshaws far exceeds the capped limit of 350, with estimates suggesting over 2,000 unauthorized rickshaws operate in the area, leading to illegal encroachments on sidewalks.

Historical Context and Management Challenges

The ₹99-crore project, conceived in 2006, commenced in March 2019 but faced multiple deadline revisions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Public Works Department (PWD) manages the infrastructure, while the MCD oversees sanitation. Until last year, a private company hired by the PWD handled sanitation with 200 workers. A sanitation crisis arose from a PWD and MCD standoff, leading to the municipality taking over management of the area [1].

Pradeem Gehlog, a clothing shop employee for 19 years, noted the infrequency of municipal cleaning and the issue of overturned garbage cans. He believes that strict action and collective responsibility are essential for resolving Chandni Chowk’s problems.He and neighboring shop workers regularly clean the area near their shops.

Pro Tip: Community involvement is crucial for maintaining public spaces. Encourage local businesses and residents to participate in cleanup and maintenance efforts.

Chandni Chowk’s Decline: A Summary

The Path forward for Chandni chowk

Addressing the multifaceted challenges in Chandni Chowk requires a coordinated effort between government bodies, local businesses, and residents. A comprehensive maintenance plan, strict enforcement of regulations, and community engagement are essential for restoring Chandni Chowk to its former glory. The MCD needs to improve its sanitation services, and the PWD must address the infrastructure damage promptly. furthermore, incorporating dedicated spaces for vendors and regulating the number of rickshaws can alleviate congestion and encroachment issues [2].

What steps do you think are most crucial for revitalizing Chandni Chowk? How can local communities