New Delhi: Residents of Shahpur Jat have launched a protest against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) decision to allot a 6,500-sq-metre open land parcel in the area for parking waste-management vehicles and other operational activities.
The residents, who describe the parcel as the locality’s only remaining open space for community festivals and gatherings, are demanding that the MCD withdraw its August 31 authorisation order. The protest has brought together senior citizens and younger residents, who have been sitting on a dharna against the decision.
According to the MCD order, the land near the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) centre in Shahpur Jat, Ward 172, has been identified for parking project vehicles, storing equipment, maintenance and other operational requirements of waste-management contractor South Delhi MSW Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (SDMSWSPL).
The order also states that the site must be kept dust-free and that “no tree cutting shall be permitted” in accordance with Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and CAQM guidelines.
Residents allege damage to trees, Siri Fort Wall
Residents have approached the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Forest Department, alleging that work at the site has resulted in damage to the protected Siri Fort Wall and the uprooting of trees.
In a complaint submitted to the ASI, residents alleged that on September 2, a waste-management team arrived at the site with a JCB and around 20 workers and labourers. They claimed that 10–15 trees were uprooted and that the historic monument was damaged during the work.
Residents further alleged that the site is proposed to accommodate sheds, storage facilities, parking areas, electric-vehicle charging infrastructure and garbage trucks.
Village society seeks alternative site
The Shahpur Jat Village Society has sought cancellation of the August 31 order and has urged authorities to prevent the contractor from bringing or parking garbage vehicles at the site. It has also requested that an alternative parcel be allotted to SDMSWSPL.
Residents argue that the open parcel holds considerable community importance, particularly as a venue for festivals such as Holi, Diwali and Dussehra.
“We will continue the strike till MCD rolls back its decision,” a leading protester, Bharatt, said.
The issue has brought questions of heritage conservation, open-space protection and urban waste-management infrastructure into sharp focus in South Delhi. TNIE
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