Madanpur Khadar remains perpetual garbage dump

Residents of JJ colony in South-east Delhi’s Madanpur Khadar area are forced to live in highly unhygienic conditions due to the lack of basic amenities. The road, leading to the area’s community hall, presents an apathetic picture as garbage from across the neighborhood is dumped here.

The stinking smell forces residents to cover their noses while passing through the road. Besides, those living nearby cannot open their houses’ windows or doors due to the foul smell and dingy surrounding. 

Moreover, since there no regular cleaning and collection of garbage, it serves as a breeding ground to mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. “The road is blocked by garbage, which emits a foul smell and poses grave health risks. Also, the community hall and a public convenience on the either side of the road are not usable,” said Om Vir Singh, a resident.

Rain in the past couple of days has turned the situation worse as the road is full of muck and has become slippery, which might lead to accidents.

Residents say the community hall, mostly used for marriage functions, adjacent to the road is of no use due to the filth around. “No one organises marriage parties in the hall because the garbage dumped on the road is seldom removed,” said Sunny, a resident. 

Even the public convenience opposite to the community hall is in a bad shape.  “It not only stinks but also serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Now with the onset of monsoon, the health risk will multiply,” said Pawan Kumar, another resident.

Most residents in Madanpur Khadar were relocated from slums across Delhi. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), under Delhi government, was created in 2010 to look after the special developmental needs and basic amenities of slum areas in the Capital.

“I know about the plight of JJ colony residents. It is the DUSIB’s responsibility to clean that part of Madanpur Khadar as the area falls under its jurisdiction,” said area councilor Bir Singh.

“It is true that Madanpur Phase 3 is under the DUSIB, but maintaining hygiene is the municipal corporation’s responsibility. I have requested the civic body to  clean the area several times, but in vain,” said Amanatullah Khan, an MLA.