West Delhi residents rally against ‘corruption’ in MCD

Anshita Mehra

New Delhi, July 22

Residents of West Delhi gathered at Jantar Mantar on Monday to protest against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), alleging widespread corruption that has hindered their ability to build homes despite having approved plans. Protesters expressed frustration over ignored complaints and deteriorating infrastructure.

A resident, Anil, lamented, “Whenever we complain to MCD officials, they ignore our complaints. Local residents cannot get any construction done because the roads are broken and the sewers overflow daily. You will see filth everywhere in this area. If we want to hire a contractor, they object to this, causing the contractor to abandon the work. How are we supposed to construct our houses? We, the residents of Shivaji Park, West Delhi, are unable to do any construction.”

Mohit Sharma, another protester, said, “Our problem is that MCD officials are engaged in bribery. Despite the approval of our house plans, they demand bribes, with all officials having fixed rates. Should a normal person be paying to build their own house or to fill their pockets? Whether it’s the Aam Aadmi Party-led government or the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the MCD, the problem remains the same. It’s time for the entire staff to be changed and for our concerns to be addressed.”

Another protester said, “Despite our complaints, the officials do not listen to our pleas. Each official stays on their post for years, causing trouble to us because they are corrupt. We are here to protest against those corrupt officials in the MCD.”

The protesters also highlighted other unmet responsibilities of the MCD. Jyoti, another protester, said, “What does the MCD really do? They have never done anything for us; no facilities or responsibilities have been fulfilled. The government has done absolutely nothing for us. The garbage mountains are still there, causing health hazards and diseases, and when we go to chemists, medicines are not available. We are also facing a water crisis. All that the government has given us is pain and nothing beneficial.”

Echoing Jyoti’s sentiments, another protester Neha added, “The government has not done one good thing for us; all the promises remain false.”

The residents demanded immediate action to address corruption and improve infrastructure, emphasising that the current state of governance has left them in dire straits.