Deeply distressed over the perennial problem of waterlogging, crumbling infrastructure, and the lack of basic civic amenities, residents of Shaheen Bagh, a locality that once catapulted into international headlines, are voicing their frustration at the continued neglect of the area. Despite repeated appeals over the years, they lament, no significant improvement has been made on the ground.
In a strongly worded open letter addressed to Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan and local Councillor Ariba Khan, Mohammad Waseem, a resident of High Tension Road in Shaheen Bagh, highlighted what he described as the “most burning issue” of his lane. He said every night from midnight to early morning, sewer water overflows and spreads across the street, making life unbearable for residents. The problem, according to him, has reached a point where it is not only disrupting daily routines but also posing serious health risks.
Waseem’s letter underscores the growing disillusionment among locals, who feel that Shaheen Bagh, despite its prominence and political weight, continues to grapple with civic apathy and poor governance. His appeal is a reflection of a larger sentiment in the neighbourhood that urgent, lasting solutions are needed to restore dignity and livability to the area.
“I wish to draw your kind attention to a serious issue affecting our locality. Every night, from around 12 midnight to 7 in the morning, sewer water overflows on High Tension Road, Shaheen Bagh, spreading across the street. This causes unbearable stench, unhygienic conditions, and makes it extremely difficult for residents to move about,” he wrote in the letter shared with the OT.
“At the time of Fajr prayers, people are unable to reach the mosque as the entire pathway is submerged in dirty water. My brother, who works night shifts, often returns home with his shoes soaked in sewage, increasing the risk of infection.
“Similarly, my children’s school bus arrives at 6:30 am, but even then the road remains flooded. I am forced to take out my scooter and drop them about 100 meters away so that they can avoid walking through the sewage water.
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“This problem occurs every single night and has now become unbearable. The stagnant sewage not only spreads foul smell but also poses a serious health threat, increasing the risk of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and other infections. In case of any emergency during the night, it becomes nearly impossible to leave the house.
“I earnestly request that this issue be resolved immediately and permanently. Proper cleaning and repair of the sewer system should be undertaken so that residents can live in a clean and safe environment,” he wrote.
Residents of Okhla said they reposed their faith in Amanatullah Khan for the third consecutive term, believing that he would finally deliver on his long-standing promise of improving basic infrastructure in the area.
During his election campaign, Khan had assured voters that visible changes would be brought within six months of his return to power. However, locals complained that progress has been painfully slow, with projects dragging at a tardy pace. Far from easing their lives, the lack of timely development has only added to the daily hardships of residents.
