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Bhalswa, Okhla, Ghazipur landfills to turn into parks

Source: The Pioneer, New Delhi, Date: , 2010

Residents living in the vicinity of three major landfills — Bhalswa, Okhla and Ghazipur—in the city will get rid of the foul smell coming out from these sites soon. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is preparing to cover landfills with bougainvilleas. With the move, the people living in nearby colonies will surely have major reprieve from everlasting disgusting odour, which has engulfed the areas. KS Mehra, Municipal Commissioner on Wednesday said the foul smell originating from these sites due to garbage being dumped there, is big nuisance for Delhiites therefore the MCD has planned to get rid of the problem by planting beautiful bougainvilleas.



“We have decided to wrap these three garbage dump sites with soil and later bougainvillea will be planted there. It will help to eliminate the stench in the area. The MCD has already started planting bougainvillea at Bhalswa,” said Mehra. The Municipal Commissioner informed about the project while responding to the issue of waterlogging was raised by the Leader of Opposition Jai Kishan Sharma in Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday. Sharma alleged that the MCD did not complete the work of de-silting of drains which resulted into a mess on the roads after the downpour on Monday.

Contesting the accusation made by Congress leader, Rajni Abbi, a councillor said the MCD should not be held responsible for the chaos and waterlogging in the city. She further emphasized to chalk out a drainage action plan for the Capital. “Funds spend on de-silting will waste if the Capital does not have a drainage action plan in place. Strom water drains are also in appalling conditions. There are connecting to each other and exit for water,” she added.

However, Mehra further told that two rounds of de-silting had been conducted by MCD and the work went on throughout the year. He also said construction waste lying on the road is posing a problem in some areas and also stated the Delhi Government is preparing the action plan for drainage. “The problem of waterlogging cannot be fully solved without a comprehensive drainage action plan for the city. This is the key to the solution. Delhi government Flood Control Department is looking into it,” he said.

The Commissioner also said inter-agency coordination is important and hoped that all agencies will work to address the problems in identified vulnerable points for waterlogging under their jurisdiction. He also said the MCD has adequate number of drain cleaning staff and allayed the concerns raised by some members in this regard. MCD Engineering Department also told the meeting that construction works for Games are somewhat responsible for waterlogging in the city this week. It said 1, 58,120 metric tonnes of silt were taken out of drains and sent to landfill sites so far.

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