Delhi voters urge action on civic issues ahead of assembly polls

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, residents across the capital have voiced concerns over a range of civic issues, including deteriorating road conditions, poor water quality, and rising pollution levels.

Local issues are taking center stage in the lead-up to the elections, as citizens hope for change. Mohammad Sadiq, a resident from Seelampur in northeast Delhi, highlighted the ongoing problem of contaminated water. “We have electricity, but the water quality is poor. We have to buy clean water for drinking and cooking, which costs ₹30 to ₹50 daily. The roads in our area are also in bad shape,” he said, calling for the next government to address these issues.

In Hardevpuri, Durgapuri, Harsh Tyagi spoke about multiple challenges, including narrow lanes, inadequate parking, and insufficient green cover. “The pollution level in our area is high due to the lack of trees. Narrow lanes cause parking congestion, and there is no proper drainage system,” he explained.

Further concerns were raised by Nisha Sharma from northwest Delhi, who mentioned bad roads and stray cattle. "While we have electricity and clean water, the roads are full of potholes, especially in the inner lanes of Trinagar and Wazirpur. Stray cattle are also a challenge," Sharma added.

Environmental advocate Verhean Khanna, founder of the New Delhi Nature Society, called for increased efforts to reduce waste and improve greenery to combat pollution. "We need to produce less waste, particularly plastic. We should have proper channels for disposing of electronic waste and convert biodegradable waste into fertilizers," he said.

Khushboo Tiwari from Chhatarpur raised concerns over drainage overflow during the monsoon season. “Traffic congestion on Mehrauli-Gurugram Road is a problem during peak hours, and the drainage system overflows during rains. There are also hanging wires and electric poles near homes, which pose safety risks,” Tiwari added.

Bittu Bhardwaj, a southwest Delhi resident, pointed out that Palam is one of the most polluted areas in the city, second only to Anand Vihar. “Construction work here causes high pollution levels. The roads are in bad condition, leading to traffic congestion,” Bhardwaj said.

Sunil Kumar Aledia, Executive Director at the Centre for Holistic Development, emphasized the need for collective efforts to address pollution and civic issues in Delhi. He noted that the increasing population density is straining the city’s waste management system and impacting the environment. “We need proper planning and participation from all stakeholders to tackle rising civic issues. The government must also have a plan for vehicle management,” Aledia said.

As residents demand improvements, these local concerns are expected to play a significant role in shaping the election outcome. Voting for the Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5, with the counting scheduled for February 8.