ENCROACHMENT WOES RISE FROM YASHOBHUMI TO SECTOR-21 METRO STATION

The stretch of road from Yashobhumi Convention Centre in Sector-25 to Sector-21 Metro Station is increasingly falling victim to rampant encroachment, creating serious civic and safety concerns for commuters and local residents. On regular days, commercial vehicles mostly Ola and Uber cabs can be seen parked along the side lanes, narrowing the usable road space. However, the situation worsens significantly during large events at Yashobhumi. Dozens of private vehicles are parked haphazardly on both sides of the road, leaving barely any room for regular traffic flow. This bottleneck causes traffic jams and creates dangerous conditions for pedestrians. Adding to the chaos, a growing number of food vendors have also set up carts along the stretch. From paratha stalls and naan-kulcha counters to kachori sellers, the makeshift eateries attract crowds but leave behind a trail of garbage. Food wrappers, leftovers, and disposable plates are often dumped on the ground, inviting flies and rodents and turning the area into a breeding ground for disease. "This is clear encroachment of public land and an open violation of civic norms," said an RWA member from Sector-22. "The authorities need to act before this becomes unmanageable." Residents living in nearby sectors have repeatedly flagged the issue to local officials but claim that little action has been taken so far.

Here’s what some residents had to say:
“Yashobhumi was envisioned as a modern, state-of-the-art convention centre, a place symbolizing development and order. But the surroundings tell a different story. Roadsides are jammed, footpaths are cluttered, and traffic flows chaotically. This wasn't the plan the city promised. As someone who commutes through this area daily, it's frustrating to see such poor management. It's disheartening that a facility meant to reflect progress is surrounded by disorder and neglect.”

Arvind Kumar, daily commuter

“The situation near the metro footpath is terrible. Street food vendors dump their waste right on the road, and no one is cleaning it up. As a teacher and a concerned citizen, I’m deeply worried about the growing number of flies and rats in the area. It’s fast becoming a public health hazard, especially for metro commuters. If this continues, we might see outbreaks of disease. Authorities need to take swift and serious action.”

Priya Mehra, teacher from Sector-21

“Commercial cab drivers have turned this area into an unauthorized taxi stand. They park their vehicles, idle for hours, and create a permanent traffic obstruction. As a resident, I’ve seen arguments break out when someone asks them to move. It’s unfair to people who live here and use the road daily. The traffic police must stop this growing encroachment before it becomes irreversible. This chaos doesn’t belong near a world-class facility like Yashobhumi.”

Rohit Bansal, resident of Sector-22

“During events at Yashobhumi, the entire area becomes completely choked with traffic. Vehicles are parked everywhere, and the situation becomes unmanageable. It’s deeply concerning because if there’s ever an emergency-like a fire or a medical crisis-there’s no way an ambulance or fire truck could get through. As someone who served in government service, I can say with certainty this is a public safety failure waiting to happen. Immediate traffic regulation is essential here.”

Deepak Malhotra, retired officer

“Yashobhumi was built to represent modern India, but its surroundings reflect poor civic management. The roads are blocked with unauthorized parking, food vendors are operating without regulation, and pedestrians have no safe walking space. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and traffic police need to step in urgently. We need proper vending zones, designated parking areas, and cleanliness drives. Otherwise, this space-meant to be modern and accessible-will go the way of countless other neglected public areas.”

Kavita Arora, resident of Sector-22

“Whether you’re in a car, on a scooter, or just walking-there’s no room to move around Yashobhumi. Vehicles are double-parked, autos reverse randomly, and everyone’s honking non-stop. It doesn’t feel like a part of a planned city at all. Instead, it feels like a congested market street. What was promised as a seamless urban experience has turned into a daily hassle for anyone trying to pass through this area. Urban planning seems completely missing here.”

Shreya Khare

“We were told Yashobhumi would be a world-class convention centre showcasing India’s progress. But the access roads tell a different story. Food carts line the sidewalks, garbage piles up, and cabs crowd the entrances. What should have been a proud civic space looks more like a chaotic marketplace. This sends the wrong message to international visitors and attendees. It’s disappointing to see how badly we manage public spaces meant to highlight our development.”

Rekha Jain

“Every evening, the stench from dumped food waste around Yashobhumi becomes unbearable. Flies hover in swarms, and I’ve personally seen rats scurrying along the sidewalks. As a mother and daughter, I worry deeply about the health risks-dengue, foodborne diseases, and general hygiene for our children and senior citizens. Despite repeated complaints, there’s no regular cleaning or waste control here. The authorities must prioritize sanitization and strict enforcement before it becomes a full-blown health crisis.”

Reena Sinha

“The roads near Yashobhumi have turned into an unauthorized taxi stand. Cabs are parked for hours, and when you ask drivers to move, they respond with arrogance or hostility. This kind of lawlessness right outside a major public facility is shocking. During events, the area becomes completely jammed, and the administration seems to have turned a blind eye. If no action is taken, we’ll soon have permanent chaos where order was supposed to exist.”

Keyur Pandey