CM moves to end civic mismanagement with unified road framework, accountability push

In a fresh push against pollution and urban mismanagement, the Delhi Government has announced a comprehensive plan to streamline the capital’s road infrastructure, sanitation systems and inter agency coordination. The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting on the ‘Standard Framework for Road Redevelopment’, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Senior officials from PWD, MCD, NDMC, DDA, Delhi Jal Board and Delhi Traffic Police attended the meeting, along with experts from CAQM, CSIR, the School of Planning and Architecture and the Raahgiri Foundation.

The meeting aimed to establish an integrated and standardised system for road construction, beautification, drainage, utility management and maintenance in the city.

Sending a strong message to officials, the CM said, “This government focuses not on blame, but action and outcomes.” She added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ensured that development projects faced no financial hurdles and informed the officials that all departments had been instructed to submit proposals for Delhi’s beautification.

Stressing administrative reforms, she said issues related to roads, drains and public infrastructure would only improve with direct accountability from officers. Citing examples of the Minto Bridge and RK Puram underpass, she noted that these issues were resolved immediately only through inter-departmental coordination.

Reiterating the need for environmental responsibility, the CM highlighted the importance of waste management, zero waste buildings, biogas plants, water harvesting and pollution-control mechanisms. She called upon officials to work with sincerity and collective effort for pollution control and infrastructure improvement.

During the meeting, Cabinet Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the government had initiated several reforms in the past nine months but added that the efficiency of officers remained crucial. He pointed out delays caused by unclear responsibility and external agency interventions.

Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted the challenge of road dust, stating that it remained one of the biggest contributors to Delhi’s winter pollution.

Key instructions issued

Unified framework: All agencies must adopt a common and practical framework for coordination and utility management.

Ban on repeated road excavations: Road digging will only be allowed in emergencies. Mandatory mapping of electricity, telecom, gas and water lines will precede construction. Common utility ducts will be used wherever feasible.

Strict dust and waste control: Daily removal of dust, debris and waste is mandatory. Barricading, water sprinkling and covering of debris will be enforced at all construction and repair sites. Violators will face action.

Pedestrian friendly measures: Footpaths must be wide, clean and obstruction free. All crossings must be marked, and better lighting ensured. Central verges and dividers will undergo regular maintenance, including greenery upkeep. Every redevelopment project must include organised street furniture, landscaping and clean public spaces.