Shaheen Bagh: A Neglected Area Facing Government apathy
Shaheen Bagh, once a center for activism during the CAA-NRC protests and a favorite among food lovers on social media, now highlights the indifference of the government. Despite being close to one of the nation’s leading educational institutions, Jamia Millia Islamia, the basic infrastructural needs of Shaheen Bagh remain neglected. Local officials and leaders, notably from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have shown little initiative, leaving residents feeling disappointed and disillusioned.
Crumbling Roads and Inadequate Drainage
The condition of the roads in Shaheen Bagh is troubling. They transform into muddy pools during rain, marked by numerous potholes and poor maintenance. This area, popular with both students and locals, almost becomes unreachable due to water logging and filth. Each passing year reveals no substantial action from authorities to resolve these problems. The drainage system is also poorly designed, leading to frequent flooding, while open potholes present significant dangers.
Lack of Safe Drinking Water
It is concerning that as of 2024, Shaheen Bagh still does not have access to safe drinking water—an essential requirement for any urban area. Residents find themselves scrounging for alternative water sources or having to pay for what little is available due to the government’s inability to ensure a stable supply. For how much longer must the people of Shaheen Bagh endure such neglect?
The Administrative negligence
Saheen Bagh is bordered by Noida, which is a development hub on which government authorities have spent hundreds of crores. However, Shaheen Bagh has always been ignored by the government. Parvez Hashmi of the Indian National Congress, who called himself the founder of Okhla, was a former Member of the Rajya Sabha and Minister of the Government of Delhi during Sheela Dixit’s regime. He was the MLA of the Shaheen Bagh area from 1993 to 2008, but he failed to deliver basic infrastructure to the people of Shaheen Bagh.
As a result, people sought change and, in the 2009 by-election, voted for Asif Mohammad Khan, who was contesting from the Janata Dal. Later, in the 2013 election, Asif Mohammad Khan joined the Congress party and won the election for the second time with a vote share of 36.34%. However, he also failed to deliver what the voters expected, and conditions worsened.
In 2015, the people of Shaheen Bagh saw the Aam Aadmi Party with new hope and voted for Amanatullah Khan, who won with a historic mandate of 62.56% of the votes. Unfortunately, he also failed to serve the people of Shaheen Bagh, and the situation continued to decline. In the next election in 2020, people again turned to him due to the promises made by the party’s high command, and he won with a vote percentage of 66.03%. However, he did not justify the people’s decision, and the area deteriorated further; roads, sewers, and garbage became persistent issues in Shaheen Bagh.
Residents were increasingly frustrated, and in the 2023 MCD election, they voted for Congress’s Areeba Khan with a lot of hope. Despite being a young, educated leader with a political background, she has not implemented any changes that would make life easier for the people of Shaheen Bagh.
Basic Facilities Ignored: Metro Station Lacks Escalators
Shaheen Bagh Jasola Vihar metro station which was build in 2016 which has the potential to be a practical transportation option, it remains challenging for seniors and those with disabilities to navigate. The absence of escalators continues to present a significant hurdle. Appeals from the public for crucial infrastructure upgrades that would improve accessibility have been overlooked by officials. This failure not only restricts movement but also signifies a stark disregard for the local residents but if you see the other entrance of metro station which is from Jasola Vihar you will find every thing there.
Shaheen Bagh Stays Stagnant Due to Government Neglect
Shaheen Bagh is a clear illustration of the pervasive apathy shown by local authorities and elected representatives. The area lacks fundamental necessities such as dependable public transport, clean water, well-kept roads, and functional drainage systems. It’s crucial for officials to be held responsible for the severe condition of Shaheen Bagh; the residents deserve considerably more. Without prompt action, Shaheen Bagh will continue to symbolize poor governance and unmet promises.
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