MP holds meet to tackle sanitation, encroachments

With just a few days left for Diwali festivities, MP Praveen Khandelwal convened a crucial meeting on Monday with over 80 senior officials from various departments to address pressing issues of security, cleanliness and encroachments in the Chandni Chowk constituency.

The attendees included representatives from the Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board and the Public Works Department, among others.

Khandelwal emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to address critical issues in preparation for the festival. “The meeting focused on tackling encroachment, traffic management, sanitation, sewerage and police security,” he stated. “We must ensure that areas such as Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli and Sadar Bazaar are clean and safe for the festivities.”

As part of the action plan, departments will commence joint efforts starting tomorrow. The police will engage with market associations to enhance security in key markets. “Tomorrow at 5 pm, I will conduct an inspection from Red Fort to Bara Tooti Chowk along with the DCP North and municipal officers,” Khandelwal added.

Regarding encroachments, Khandelwal highlighted the collaborative role of the MCD, PWD and the Delhi Police in identifying and removing obstacles from roads and footpaths. He noted, “Footpaths will be renovated and designated spaces will be allocated for street vendors to prevent future encroachments.” The MP also assured that specific timings for garbage collection would be established, alongside an increase in sanitation worker deployment.

The Delhi Jal Board will collaborate with local agencies for regular inspections of sewer lines to prevent blockages. Khandelwal said, “Long-term solutions to waterlogging will be implemented through improved drainage systems.”

On security concerns, Khandelwal stressed the necessity of bolstering police presence during peak festival times. “We will strengthen police booths in key markets to ensure a swift response to complaints,” he explained. Additionally, a coordinated traffic plan will be developed to introduce one-way systems and no-parking zones to alleviate congestion.