Burari Residents Draw the Line: Chakka Jam, LG Memorandum and a September 16 Deadline
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Burari residents protest crumbling roads, waterlogging and drainage issues, seeking accountability and time-bound government action to address long-standing civic problems.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, August 17: Residents gathered in Burari on Sunday morning to seek accountability over crumbling roads, waterlogging and drainage issues, leading to a protest in northeast Delhi's Burari. Security was increased in the area as the number of protesters grew.
In a memorandum submitted to the office of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the residents warned that they would intensify their agitation through "democratic and Gandhian" means if their problems were not addressed by September 16, reported The Indian Express.
Issues faced by the Burari people
Organised as a 'Chakka Jam' (road blockade or traffic shutdown) under the banner of the collective 'Voice of Burari', the protest was aimed at drawing attention to what residents described as long-running civic problems.
They said several roads, including the main 100-foot Road in Burari, are in dire need of repair.
"During the monsoon, the situation worsens, with areas getting waterlogged and damaged stretches making it difficult to commute," they said. Students, elderly people, women and two-wheeler riders were among the main victims, they said.
According to police, around 200 people gathered near the chowk and attempted to block the road. Security was arranged to prevent any untoward incident. The protesters submitted a memorandum to officials and later to the LG's office, police said, the news report added.
Action taken by the government
Karawal Nagar district committee chairman of the Congress and Head of the Federations of RWA Burari, Mangesh Tyagi, said the agitation reflected residents' frustration over the lack of basic civic amenities.
"We apologise for the traffic on the road, but the MP, MLA and councillors are all responsible for this condition," Tyagi said. Residents, he added, want basic amenities, including roads that are safe and clean enough to walk on and access to clean drinking water.
The Chief Whip of the Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Sanjeev Jha, represents Burari in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, while BJP MP Manoj Tiwari represents North East Delhi in the Lok Sabha.
The memorandum submitted to the LG's office pointed out the pending road construction and related drainage works in Burari and sought clear, time-bound directions to the departments concerned, along with regular updates to residents on the progress of the works.
It said the residents were not looking for a confrontation with the government but wanted a solution to their civic problems.
