Floods: Weeks on, Dhoka Mohalla residents await compensation

Weeks after black floodwater along with the slush from the overflowing Buddha Nullah entered homes in Dhoka Mohalla, residents continue to wait for the compensation promised by visiting officials and politicians.

Despite initial damage assessments, no follow-up action has been taken, leaving families in distress and businesses in financial ruin.

During the floods, 2–3 feet of contaminated water submerged homes, destroying furniture, electronics, documents and daily essentials. The stench still lingers and so does the silence from the administration.

“All my belongings — bed, sofa, chairs — were ruined. Even my electronic items are gone,” said Hardeep Singh, a resident whose home was among the worst affected. “Officials came, took details and left. Nothing has happened since then,” he said.

Shanti Devi, another resident, echoed the frustration.

“All our belongings were destroyed. Important papers got soiled. The entire ration and grocery items got damaged. Politicians only come to see us — they don’t take action,” she said.

The area, densely populated by working-class families, bore the brunt of the floods. Many residents say they’ve been neglected for years.

“I’ve lived here for seven years. Nothing has improved,” said Sujata, adding that “We don’t belong to the area but we stay here due to work.”

Dilashhad, another local resident, said: “Politicians come only during elections or after everything gets destroyed in floods. We need a proper solution, not just sympathy.”

A boutique owner said her entire stock was ruined. “Not only my material but my customers’ orders also got destroyed. They’re asking me to compensate. From where I should give the money? Boutique is my only source of income.”

Residents recall how officials had visited the area soon after the floods, assuring compensation and clean-up. Damage assessment teams were seen taking notes and photographs but no relief has reached the victims so far.

Activists are now urging the administration to release compensation funds and initiate long-term flood-mitigation plans. “It is not the first time the Buddha Nullah has overflowed,” said a volunteer, adding “but it’s time the city stopped treating these residents as invisible.”

As Dhoka Mohalla waits for relief, the question remains — Will promises translate into action or the damages will be followed by another bureaucratic neglect? Meanwhile, MLA Central Ashok Prashar and DC Himanshu Jain were unavailable for comments.