BJP-ruled NDMC demolishes newly-built mohalla clinic; AAP hits back

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 11

The demolition of a newly-constructed mohalla clinic in Karol Bagh area by the BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation (North DMC) invited sharp reactions from Delhi’s ruling party and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday.

Kejriwal said on Twitter, “People should remember this when they go out to vote in Delhi. Del govt constructed this mohalla clinic. BJP led MCD demolished it today.”

The reaction came following his media advisor Nagendar Sharma’s series of tweets in the matter in which he questioned the basis of razing to the ground the newly set up clinic.

North Delhi Mayor Adesh Gupta defended the move saying the action was taken as the said clinic at Har Dayal Singh Road in Karol Bagh area was constructed allegedly “without any NOC (no-objection certificate)”.

“Shamefully criminal & blatantly illegal: North MCD demolishes a newly constructed Mohalla Clinic at Har Dayal Singh Road, Karol Bagh on a PWD Road. North MCD had no jurisdiction, no notice given & a primary health public facility destroyed for no reason,” said Sharma.

He said the road had been transferred to the PWD by the MCD in 2012 questioning the basis of the North DMC’s action.

“Why is BJP using the MCD for destroying a primary health public utility merely for taking revenge with the people of Delhi,” he claimed posting pictures of the clinic.

“North MCD now threatening to demolish this almost complete Mohalla Clinic at Pyare Lal Road Karol Bagh. This is again on PWD Road. Have you ever heard that a civic body without any basis is threatening to destroy a primary health centre,” he alleged.

The AAP government targets to construct 1,000 mohalla clinics across the capital for providing primary healthcare to people of Delhi and of the same around 200 facilities have already been built as per the government.