NEW DELHI: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is ramping up its efforts to finish the remaining 341 projects that were green-lit earlier this year under the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan initiative. The majority of these projects are recommended in villages located in the Najafgarh, Narela, south and west Delhi zones.
In March, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) approved a total of 349 projects for the civic body, focusing on enhancing roads, drainage systems, and streetlights in various villages. It had approved Rs 407 crore for these development works.
However, the election process caused delays, resulting in only eight projects being started. The remaining projects are pending due to the absence of finalised agencies to carry out the work.
MCD stated, “As of date, work orders have been issued for 28 projects. It includes eight projects related to the construction of roads and drains in the Najafgarh zone. More works will be awarded in the coming days.”
As per the action plan, the scheme prioritises 16 projects in the west zone, including the strengthening of roads in Basai Darapur, Phirni Road, Madipur village and Chowkandi Nagar, and the improvement of drains in Bali Nagar, Rattan Park and Madipur village.
An official said plans have been made for systematic drainage systems and road construction or renovation in certain areas of east Delhi, such as Khajoori Khas. “Work for the construction or renovation of the approach road and internal roads will also be taken up here,” said the official.
In some zones, residents have long demanded improved streetlights, and efforts are being made to address this issue.
“In the Narela zone, at least 14 projects related to the improvement of streetlights have been selected, such as the installation of streetlights at Phirni Road and Sirja Roads of Kanjhawala village, the provision of street lighting from Bakhtawarpur village to Hiranki Khetwala Road, Nangal Thakran village, Sultanpur Dabas to Bawana, Kanjhawala Road, and parts of Ghoga Village,” said the official earlier.
Similarly, in the Najafgarh zone, at least 32 projects have been initiated to improve streetlights and eliminate dark spots in areas such as Bamnoli village, Goyla Khurd Chhawla, and Kapashera ward.
In Dec 2023, lieutenant governor VK Saxena initiated the ‘Dilli Gramoday Abhiyan’ to redevelop both rural and urban villages in the capital.
DDA has allocated Rs 800 crore for the rejuvenation of nearly 200 urbanised villages. The funds will be used for creating and upgrading basic infrastructure, livelihoods, scientific livestock management, healthcare, proper land use, and water management, among other aspects.
