In the heart of the bustling Shaheen Bagh, a narrow 10-foot-wide lane a few metres from Dream Bell School has become a symbol of neglect and frustration. For over a year, residents have faced worsening conditions, including waterlogging, open drains, and a crumbling pathway that make everyday life increasingly difficult.
This lane in Shaheen Bagh, a key route for daily commuting and access to neighbouring streets, features a dangerously large open manhole. Walking on this street at night when there is dark has become hazardous, with residents reporting frequent accidents. Just last Saturday, a motorcycle skidded and fell, and the day before, a three-wheeler overturned, said a resident. These incidents are not isolated; they happen regularly, underscoring the urgent need for action to cover the manhole, he said.
One resident of Shaheen Bagh recounted an alarming incident: “The e-scooter, likely belonging to a metro worker, was completely damaged at the front after falling into the open manhole.” Despite several attempts to address the issue by the local residents, the condition of the road has not improved. When it rains, stagnant water fills the lane, creating a slippery and unsafe environment. Residents have repeatedly raised their concerns, but their complaints have gone ignored.
The road is not just an inconvenience; it is a danger. “Vehicles are flipping over, and people are facing immense challenges,” another resident said, stressing the urgency of finding a solution.
The community’s frustration is palpable, with residents demanding immediate action from local MLA Amanatullah Khan and other representatives. They also call on Areeba Khan, the Councillor of the ward who is now running for the Congress party in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, to address the issue. The residents emphasised that development is not a privilege, but a basic right they have been deprived of for too long.
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The waterlogging problem extends beyond this lane, affecting neighboring streets and creating a ripple effect of challenges. ‘The drainage system is ineffective, causing water to accumulate and overflow into other areas. Entire streets are flooded, disrupting the lives of many,” one resident explained.
Efforts to address the issue have been sporadic and ultimately ineffective. Residents report that work on the road and drainage system began recently but was halted midway due to objections or administrative delays. This has left the lane exposed, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly at night when visibility is poor.
The neglect has left the community disillusioned.
Despite their frustration, residents remain hopeful that with elections approaching, their calls for better infrastructure and basic amenities will finally be heard. But the question remains — how long will they have to wait for a safe, functional road and an efficient drainage system?
This is not just a story of a neglected lane, but a stark reminder of the struggles communities face when basic infrastructure fails. It is a plea for immediate action and a call for accountability from those in power. The residents, who continue to endure these hardships, deserve more than temporary fixes; they deserve sustainable solutions.
