A Call For Action: Encroachments and Mismanagement

Ashirwad Chowk, a bustling commercial hub in Dwarka where Sectors 4, 5,11, and 12 converge, is witnessing a growing concern due to rampant encroachments. Two major roads intersect at this vital junction, but instead of enhancing the area’s appeal, the beauty of the space has been marred by unchecked occupation of service roads, footpaths, parking spaces, and market galleries. A pressing question arises - what is the role of the police vans stationed there when little seems to be done to address these issues? When public raise the issue with police, their standard reply is “this is the responsibility of DDA and/or MCD”. We get such responses when accident victims approach police stations. Instead of helping the victim, they look for jurisdiction and try to send the victim to other stations. Though all these departments (DDA, MCD, CPWD, Police, Traffic, DJB, Forest, Electrical, etc., etc.) are made to serve the public, their effort to evade their responsibility and making others responsible is quite hurting. The temple itself is an encroachment on DDA land. It causes traffic jams, beggar menace, ugliness, disfiguring of nearby bus stops, snatching, pick pockets, encroachment/ blockage of footpath, etc. DDA is not able to vacate its own land!? We have gathered perspectives from local representatives who highlight the challenges faced by residents and businesses in the area.

Prachi Jain, Sector-12 resident says, “Ashirwad Chowk in Dwarka, covering Sectors 4, 5, 11, and 12, is suffering from severe maintenance and encroachment problems. The pedestrian walkways are nearly unusable due to broken tiles, the presence of slums, and unsanitary corners that have become public urination spots. Foul odors fill the air and hawkers have taken over the service roads and footpaths, creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians” Ms. Jain believes these issues can be tackled if residents report the situation to local authorities like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) or the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). She suggests steps such as:

• Cleaning and Maintenance: Repairing broken tiles, clearing debris, and restoring walkways for public use. 

• Encroachment Removal: Eliminating slum and hawker encroachments to ensure safety for pedestrians.

• Sanitation Improvements: Installing public toilets and improving waste management to address the hygiene concerns.

She further suggests community involvement in clean-up drives, reporting hawker encroachments and collaborating with local organizations to maintain the area.

Sucheta Sinha, Sector-11 resident adds to the discourse, citing the overpopulation of street vendors, fast food stalls, beggars, and even rohingya refugees as a significant issue in Sector 11. These encroachments not only degrade the cleanliness and beauty of Ashirwad Chowk but also contribute to potential criminal activities. “The government must take this issue seriously, instructing the concerned departments to act immediately. Without intervention, the quality of life in the area will continue to decline,” Ms. Sinha asserts.

Bhagat, Secretary, Brindavan Apartments, Sector-12 highlights the additional burden placed on residents living near the Chowk, particularly in DDA pockets and Cooperative Group Housing Societies (CGHS). He outlines several specific issues caused by the mismanagement of the nearby temple:

1. The bus stand in front of the temple has become a shelter for beggars and other undesirable elements.

2. The temple has encroached upon the footpath, forcing pedestrians onto the road.

3. The resulting parking chaos regularly disrupts traffic flow.

4. Ice cream vendors occupy half of the busy road, exacerbating congestion.

5. Despite these challenges, there seems to be no intervention from the police or other authorities. Additionally, balloon sellers and food vendors - selling dosas, kebabs, momos, and more have overtaken the footpaths, leaving no space for pedestrians.

Ramesh Chand Virwani, Ashirwad CGHS says that other sour points are:- Broken footpath, Service road in front of Ashirwad Appt, Upkari and Brindaban. Occupation of footpath and bus shelter by temple.

P. Menon states, “The situation at Ashirwad Chowk is dire, and local

residents are demanding swift action. The unchecked encroachments, poor sanitation, and mismanagement are compromising safety and the area’s aesthetic appeal. It’s time for the authorities to step up, enforce regulations, and

restore order to one of Dwarka’s key commercial centres.”