Approved Slums of Delhi

Approved Slums of Delhi

 Though these ‘unauthorized approved colonies’ are in Delhi, unlike DDA’S well-planned colonies, they have  their own world; no master plan is applicable; no SC or NGT rulings matter

By Mukesh Sharma

With over 895 unauthorized colonies scattered through the length and breadth of this sprawling Delhi where DDA/MCD rules seldom matter, and the proud owners of so-called residential structures ranging from 25 sq yds to 250 sq yds erected in zigzag dingy lanes with varying width from 4ft to 15ft., are approved slums in Delhi; and the proud house owners are the slum lords.

Reasons for growth

Though a few colonies are as old as 40-50 years, the most of colonies have mushroomed in the last 15-20 years. The reason of the growth of such colonies is steeped in corruption. As per available datas, there were approx. 209  villages in Delhi. Then authorities concerned handed over the adjoining lands for agriculture purpose to villagers centuries ago. With the course of time, these farmers stopped cultivation. Furthermore, such lands were acquired by DDA for planned residential colonies in order to meet the demand of ever increasing population. However, some lands couldn’t be developed for a long time for the reasons best known to the authorities. These abandoned parts of land were re-sold by the land owners illegally. Later the land which were not acquired, were also sold out by the paper owners. Furthermore, woken up after decades, the authorities concerned could not remove such unauthorized constructions for political and other reasons. Such colonies fall under the category of PRIVATE COLONIES.

Unique features

Though the most of such colonies are unauthorized, some 40-50 years old colonies have been surprisingly,  re-categorized with the well-coined nomenclature “unauthorized approved colonies”. Such colonies have unique features.

No conveyance deed

Taking advantage of the ignorance of unsuspecting buyers, the ‘ownership’ of the plot/flat is transferred through notarized GPA (General Power of Attorney)  –  not a valid conveyancing instrument.  Thus stamp duty/taxes are evaded comfortably  –  no mutation, no registered sale deed.

Construction on Khadar Land

What is more, unmindful of consequences and, allegedly, in collusion with the local authorities so called  owners  erect 4 storey structures even in 5-10ft. narrow lanes. Needless to say, in the event of any fire incident or any unforeseen natural calamity, no help can reach the trapped victims. The situation of the most of colonies standing on ‘khadar’ land nearby Yamuna river is very vulnerable where foundation is laid on loose sand. But who cares? Authorities get wiser only after the event in India. So rampant unauthorized constructions are going on for the reasons best known to all.

Approved Slums of Delhi

Sewer and water lines

Yet another catching feature of these unauthorized approved colonies, is sewer and water line run parallel in all the streets/lanes. When water pumps are used to draw water from main line to fill the overhead water tanks placed on the rooftops of 4 storey houses, it sucks the dirty water from ever full and seeping sewer line. Interestingly enough, nobody cares for the rules/ by laws. What is more, to replenish the water supply to overhead tanks, in the event of non-supply of tap water, the people use submersible pumps to extract water from earth with scant regard of NGT rulings -  there is provision of 50k penalty for unauthorized pumps. In fact it is common knowledge that no construction is possible without the soil water. So almost all the houses have submersible pumps with 'good' understanding with local police.

Flowing nullah

As far as the drains running through the street line of each serpentine lanes are concerned, it mostly remains  choked. It is not easy for the MCD workers to take out the muck and clean it. So they just sweep the streets as they wish and enjoy the salary without doing the required work. As a result, during rainy season, the waterlogged streets look like a flowing nullah. Furthermore, it is ‘customary’ in such colonies that the proud house owners stick out the ramp at the exit gate of their houses to nearly the middle of the narrow street; they take pride and pleasure in causing the inconvenience to immediate neighbors and passersby.

Stray dogs and pigeons

There is no park or any recreation centre in these colonies. But each such colony does have a religious place according to the majority of populace, and these places are,allegedly, used for meeting and other non-religious activities. Such colonies are also 'sweet home' for stray dogs, for, they are permanent residents by birth. Even MCD respects their birth right. These dogs  are unchallenged  rulers of each street. And flock of pigeons  reigns the roof tops of each house. These colonies are ideal place where the man and animals live happily.

No master plan applicable

Since the much touted master plan is not applicable to these colonies of ‘special status’, they are the favorite hunting ground for running any kind of business; one can run government approved primary or secondary school, any factory or any other business even in narrow lane, if one is prepared to pay for convenience.

Vote bank

Braving all the pertinent problems, the slums lords (house owners) who live by rental income, continue to enjoy inhibited life. It is alleged that these colonies are veritable vote banks of the netas; authorities concerned continue to maintain the status-quo. Though these unauthorized approved colonies are in Delhi, unlike DDA’s well planned colonies, they have their own world; no master plan is applicable; no SC or NGT rulings matters.

GOD, CHOWKIDAAR OF UNIVERSE

GOD, CHOWKIDAAR OF UNIVERSE

By Mukesh Sharma

The day baby,

Takes birth.

It's mother is,

Chowkidaar on earth.

Offspring grow up,

In all possible best.

For father is,

Chowkidaar of nest.

All fun and frolic,

Play crank.

As child is,

Chowkidaar of pranks.

All wishes, wants,

And vanity,

A woman guards as,

Chowkidaar of her beauty.

Dreams, desires,

Ego and stand.

A man covers up as,

Chowkidaar of manhood.

Pappu can't,

Grow up in country.

As he is,

Chowkidaar of stupidity.

Born to serve,

With single idea.

Modi a son of soil is,

Chowkidaar of India.

Shine of sun,

Life on earth flourish.

Because God is,

Chowkidaar of universe.

‘Bhagirathi’ of Signature Bridge

(Satire)

‘Bhagirathi’ of Signature Bridge

Much touted bridge on Yamuna, Delhi, eventually, comes into being after 14 years of wait; delayed chronically, now many self-styled ‘Bhagirathis’ have come forward to stake claim on ‘praises’ for the ‘feat'

By Mukesh Sharma

There is popular saying that Ganga was destined to dawn on the earth from heaven but the credit was taken by Bhagirathi (a king of Kosala, a kingdom of ancient India). What is noteworthy, for Ganga there is only one Bhagirathi but for the Signature Bridge, many ‘Bhagirathis’ have come out to lay claim -  Honest CM of Delhi and Hon’ble MP of East (he has not been invited even in inaugural ceremony) and many other nonentities.

The project which was started off with all political enthusiasm by then netas of then government to appease the ever neglected North-East Delhi, a huge vote bank of migrants from UP and Bihar with the projected cost for Rs 700 crores in 2004, has reached to a whopping sum for Rs 1500 crores in 2018.

Though the Signature Bridge project dragged on for long 14 years for one or other reasons, the people contend that the possibility of a ‘scam’ can’t be ruled out. In India, to the corrupt,the most of the developmental projects  are milch cow; they continue to milk the 'cow' till the inauguration.  Corruption is the staple diet of Indian politics;  in the span of 14 years, Singnature bridge project, must have made many millionaires.

Expecting laurels, the authorities concerned call it an “iconic structure” that has come up with the technical and material support from China, Italy, Spain, Germany and Switzerland. Had it been exclusive Indian ‘handiwork’, the project would have taken 20 years more. Says authorities concerned, “as a new symbol of capital, the bridge will give a panoramic view of city.” “The bridge is an answer to London Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco” adds an official proudly.

Irrespective of ends and means, comparative developments and progress are made in India only; Noida expressway is also an answer to European roads; hundreds of people have lost their lives in multiple piles-up, perhaps, because of some faulty construction , people allege,  and that has become the order of the day. The road seems to be jinxed.

Authorities reveal that the bridge would be thrown open to LMV and Bikers from Sunday (4 November, 2018) on “Trial Basis Only”. God forbids, if the bridge fails the trial test, it might be shut down. In fact, the work is still not complete. It may take another six months for the completion of “observation desk” to be used to have a “panoramic view of the city”: murky water of Yamuna with nullah dirt; Majnu ka Tila with waving Tibetan flags and buntings; Nigambodh Ghat; jhuggi cluster at old bridge; lutyens Delhi at front where live netas, the rich ‘servants’ of poor ‘public’; hordes of informal settlements in rear; shanties at right, nearby Mukherjee Nagar.

Anyway, despite usual political squabble, among several ‘Bhagirathis’, the front runner the 'Honest' and Hon’ble CM of Delhi would inaugurate the bridge on Sunday (4 November, 2018), hopefully with oft-repeated statement: only an honest government could have made it possible.

 But the unspoken truth is that the bridge is being opened under the pressure and intervention of Delhi High Court where the authorities concerned filed an affidavit to open the bridge in October, the last month. Moreover, elections are drawing nearer. During election time, all netas become humble servants of janta.  Diwali is also round the corner. To Hon’ble CM, it is, politically, the opportune time to give the Diwali gift,the Signature Bridge to valued voters. So what if the bridge is not complete yet.       

Mukherjee Nagar, a grand ghetto of coaching centres

Mukherjee Nagar, a grand ghetto of coaching centres

Entrance is the favorite house of stray dogs and they can poo and piss as a 'rightful owner'

By Mukesh sharma

With over 350 coaching centres being run from dingy and dilapidated structures so-called commercial complex at Mukherjee Nagar, North Delhi, situated at the ‘bank’ of ever stinking Najafgarh nullah, buzzing with effervescent and exclusive commercial activities from dawn to late dusk, it won’t be wrong to call it a grand and grandiose ghetto of coaching centers.

Reveals an old timer Ravi Chadha, “the most of the buildings are nearly 50 years old as the allotments to then applicants were made by the authorities way back in 1972”.

A local property dealer with 20 years of business standing says, “these buildings have already lived its age”. “The plasters have peeled off,  the large patches of bricks can be seen in the walls of the most of the structures.” Not only that iron rods are showing in the ceilings of the floors. “ Just one jolt of earthquake may raze these decrepit structures to ground” adds property dealer ironically.

Salient features of Mukherjee Nagar Commercial Complex, Delhi

The fact is neither the occupiers nor the owners are bothered about the upkeep of these structures. The most of the occupiers who are tenants, are coaching centers and interested in their teaching ‘trade’ only. And the owners are thankfully happy with their fat monthly rents.

Consequently, the buildings remain in utter neglect and ruins. A casual visitor is welcomed by the cluster of electric meters studded on the walls of very entrance with wires sticking out. The entrance is also a favourite ‘house’ of stray dogs. They can poo and piss as a ‘rightful’ owners. With worn away steps, the flight of staircase winds through floor after floors up to top floor. The corners of staircase are ‘lawful’ spittoons. Pinching nose and braving evil smell, the visitors continue to go upstairs – upwardly mobile ‘visitors’ seldom grudge or gripe.

What is noteworthy, the safety is not the baby of anyone here. As usual, the authorities concerned get wise only after the event in India –  cross the bridge when it comes. These commercial buildings are a public place. But still, there are no fire safety measures  no fire extinguishers,  non-functional fire hydrants and hose-pipes are missing from pulleys.

“God forbids, in the event of fire, these buildings may turn into an inferno –  no fire safety and no separate fire exit” opines a teacher Ram Nayak Maurya spitefully.

Mukherjee Nagar seems to be like a religious place. The government service aspirants from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Jharkhand, Haryana etc., including Delhites throng this place with heavy baggage of hopes and dreams as the Muslim bretheren visit holy Mecca for Haz.

Says Digvijay Singh, a teacher engaged in teaching for 15 years, “mere presence in Mukherji Nagar adds a feather in the cap”. “With Mukherjee Nagar tag, even a non entity teacher becomes hero in his hometown, and an unmarried IAS aspirant with Mukherjee Nagar identity starts getting marriage proposal in his village.” “The success in exams is immaterial but Mukherjee Nagar remains a blessed place for both teachers and students”, adds Digvijay Singh with a grin.

The day starts at Mukherjee Nagar with variety of breakfast dishes catering to the taste buds of students hailing from different states – poha, pakoras, kachori, chhole bhature, jalebi and milk, fruit salad, juice etc. Taste is guaranteed, not hygiene. The most of the vendors are squatters, selling their stuff from pavements, make-shift shops and rehris. Heaps of garbage can be witnessed beside ‘sober’ shops. The underground drains flow underneath the shops, emanating a filthy smell from the cracks. The habituated ‘customers’ don’t care. Brisk business goes on all the day.

A survey reveals that PG accommodation is a flourishing business at Mukherjee Nagar. The most of the house owners in the vicinity have converted their houses into so-called PGs. “In the name of accommodation, the needy students are provided cubbyholes, worse than the jail cells of western countries and that too for a sum of Rs 10000/- to Rs12000/- per month, of course, with what is called tiffin service” says Mamta, an IAS aspirant staying as a PG.

Those who can’t afford, take single room on rent  in informal settlements like Gopalpur, Gandhi Vihar, Wazirabad village etc,. adjoining the ‘posh’ Mukherjee Nagar.

Interestingly enough, the libraries without books is an improvised trade at Mukherjee Nagar. Under the garb of library, pigeon holes with a chair and a desk are made available to students to study daily for fixed hours in  so-called library for a sum of Rs 1500/- to Rs2000/- per month.

At Mukherjee Nagar, so-called booksellers are more interested in selling photocopies of notes. Name any exam, notes are available. Most of these so-called notes consist of past exams papers and contents copied from the acclaimed and acknowledged books of renowned authors. Says a UPSC aspirant student Kishan, “perhaps blissfully ignorant of Copy right Act,  the respected sirs who are in circulation at Mukherjee Nagar, with copied and lifted contents pass it off as their own creation”.

Amusingly, the most remarkable phenomenon at Mukherjee Nagar is the ‘poster war’ among coaching centres. It is fought at many fronts  ̶  from huge hoardings to A-4 size flyers. Since the posters and banner are removed, torn up and replaced on day-to-day basis, allegedly, by the ‘rivals’ and ‘duteous’ MCD men ‘ over conscious’ of ‘cleaning drive’, some coaching centers hire moving men and make them stand at ever  over crowded  Mukherjee Nagar main road with a ‘bill board’ fitted with the iron poll. It reminds one of the scene at airport where the air passengers coming out of the airport are greeted with placards, held by the messengers for giving specific information to passengers concerned.

Anyway, whatever is the fate of government services aspirants in this grand ghetto, coaching centers and landlords usually have the last laugh.

Self-employed youth – the victims of Justice

Self-employed youth – the victims of Justice

By Mukesh Sharma

It is a fact that only elite political class has been enjoying life in Indian democracy, loaded heavily in favour of netas. Irrespective of caste creed or religion, the most of Indians believe that India is country of the netas, by the netas and for the netas.

While the netas live a king’s life, the poor people wriggle through the devouring problems all the life. Resigned to fate, the people remain at the mercy of some divine providence or the netas.

With all prerogatives and privileges, the netas celebrate Independence day and Republic day with the usual euphoria and exactitude every year. And the fooled people watch all the celebrations on TV channels with the sense of helplessness.

The system is such that once a glib-tongue and street-smart person gets in the politics, and manages to become an MLA or MP, he or she becomes law unto himself or herself. The proverbial long hands of law think ten times before reaching out to these netas even if they are found complicit in some crime. The people contend that these demi-gods are above the law.

On the other hand, the hapless common man who has been struggling from dawn to dusk for his survival for the ages, is a favourite whipping boy. Even the lowest rung government official can kick his ass just for kicks. What is more, this confused common man often falls prey to so-called JUSTICE.

The classic example is the ongoing sealing drive by MCD in Delhi under so-called Supreme Court Monitoring Committee. The properties of innocent self-employed people who have even paid the conversion charges and parking charges against their properties in order to carry out commercial activities for their livelihood, are being targeted and sealed arbitrarily without any notice.

True to their element, the netas of all the political parties are trying to use the predicament of the businessmen to their political advantage. Mud-slinging, slanging match and buck-passing have become the part of debate. While the netas are busy in their squabble, sealing is going on day after day. If the government cannot provide the employment, it has no business to deprive the people of self-employment.

      Over the years, the coaching Institute Business across India has become a giant industry with annual turn-over in thousands of crores, providing direct and indirect employment to thousands of teaching and non-teaching  youths.

Among the famous places for the coaching centres, Mukherji Nagar in north- west Delhi has a distinctive reputation. It is the favourite destination for government job-seekers. The students from all the parts of India throng this place with their cherished dream.

But to the utter surprise of student community at large, the renowned Mukherji Nagar and GTB Nagar stand rather ravaged today in the wake of rampant sealing drive. Hoardings, signboards and bill boards have been pulled down. Furniture and fixtures have been removed from the premises to ward off sealing drive. Obviously, it has put a big question mark not only on the future of self-employed teachers but also on the dreams of hundreds of students.

Dejected and disenchanted these hordes of self-employed people contend that much touted ‘start-up’ India is just a political gimmick. “At Davos, our Hon’ble PM Modi lays a red carpet for the foreign companies and business tycoons” says  a teacher ruefully. “And here in India Modi’s men are pulling the rug of  the feet of thousand of self-employed youth”. “BJP is a party of talk talks and talk claims. And those who talk by yard, act by inches, deserve to be kicked  by foot” says a student spitefully.

Evidently enough, the self-employed youth of India, who are already overburdened with the propounded GST, Income Tax, Property Tax, Conversion charges, Parking charges and  ever running high commercial electricity bill besides the alleged monthly extortion by the local authorities, are  VICTIM OF ‘JUSTICE’

Ramshackle Wazirabad Yamuna bridge ̶ a disaster in waiting

Ramshackle Wazirabad 

Yamuna bridge  ̶  a disaster in waiting

       By Mukesh Sharma

NEW DELHI: The Wazirabad Yamuna Bridge in North-East Delhi which is over 70 years old, is the only bridge connecting North-East Delhi, and besides local traffic all the vehicles from Loni, Ghaziabad use this bridge to enter inner parts of Delhi, and today it stands in dilapidated condition. However, thousands of vehicles crawls through this neglected bridge daily, and perhaps the authorities are waiting for some disaster to happen.

Nearly three months ago, the bridge was closed for busses and trucks to ‘repair’ the so called cycle track, nearly 8 ft. wide abutting the bridge. In fact, it was just a footpath and meant for pedestrians. The vested interests changed the nomenclature and renamed it ‘cycle track’. The restoration work is yet to be completed. The shoddy manner the work is being done rises doubts in the mind of the commoner that the contractor and officials concerned have made a fortune. It is open secret that based on public complaints and notings of the top officials, the tender for restoration work is floated; it is awarded to the ‘right’ contractor; work is completed; the calculated and well bargained cut reaches the share holders and the file is wrapped up with  hip hip hurray . . . and three cheers.

      Waterlogged Yamuna Bridge

On last Friday, the heavy rain led to water logging on the bridge. The vehicles were wading through knee deep water. The drain pipe put up by the contractor were chocked with dirt and mortar. Nobody bothered to open it. Moreover, the road over the bridge is full of potholes. The vehicular movement of this rugged bridge is so slow that a long line of bumper to bumper traffic jam can be witnessed from both sides of the bridge  round the clock. Hats off to Delhi Police cops who try to regulate the traffic but in vain. In fact, the authorities concerned should have first mended the road over the bridge for the smooth flow of traffic. But who cares! Enjoying fat salaries with no accountability, the officials who act like demi-gods, take little interest in public work on ground zero  except in file.

Interestingly enough, all the drivers of passing vehicles while moving like a bullock-cart do look at the much-touted Signature Bridge just 100 meters away. The people do dream of the auspicious day when the bridge would be completed and thrown open to public and the people would get rid of this daily tussle of traffic jam. But the next moment, they curse the netas. . . and get going.

The signature bridge was conceived by the respected netas about 14 years ago with a budget of just Rs 700 crores. The work dragged on for years for one or other reasons. The budget continued to be enhanced years after years for the reasons best known to netas only. And now it is said to have crossed  a whooping sum for Rs 1500 crores, and still it is under construction. To raise the hope of people, every year ‘netas’ give a deadline for its completion, but it turns out to be as hollow as their election promises.

Fearing the worst, disgruntle people content that the authorities would wake up after some untoward incident. God forbids, if this Wazirabad bridge collapses, the netas would visit in hordes; inquiry would be instituted; next of kins would be given some solatium; some overactive NGOs would stage candle light protests and some enthusiasts would raise a memorial and lit the candle every year on the day of disaster. But no lesson would be learnt. In all the cases, as usual, it is people who have to pay the price, and remain at receiving end.   

Sobbings of Maa Yamuna

OUTPOURINGS

Sobbings of Maa Yamuna

“Narendra Modi makes a great show of respect and addresses Ganga as his mother in Varanasi but to my utter surprise, not to speak of respect, perhaps, he even doesn’t recognize his mausi (Yamuna) in Delhi – pure political reasons” 

 By Mukesh Sharma

Caught in traffic jam nearby ramshackle Wazirabad bridge a few days ago, I decided to get off my car and go down stairs a few steps at the bank in order to have a closer view of maa Yamuna.

I spotted a huge breadth of gushing watercourse brimming between the banks, as Yamuna was in full spate. I was awestruck by the rare sight.

To be honest, it seemed to me that maa Yamuna has come to Delhi after a long time to see her forlorn children (Delhites).

My filial adoration made me to get down a step more and stoop to touch her (Yamuna) feet, and before I could complete gesture of reverence by taking my folded-hands to my forehead, my eyes were welling with tears. I could not hold back my tears from rolling down.

Yamuna River, Delhi

Surya  (the Sun God) was sinking in the distance, as if He (the sun) was trying to lift maa Yamuna to his lap. All of a sudden, my eyes blurred with tears, caught the sight of a colossal apparition in the form of a woman, springing out of the surge of waves of waterways. With fear and flinch, I rubbed my eyes in disbelief, but the image wouldn’t disappear. My ears pricked up at the sound of deep and distant voice, "Don’t be scared son, I am your maa Yamuna.” I couldn’t  believe my eyes. After a moment of dithering, I summoned my courage and confidence, and folded my hands in the attitude of prayer. And here is the excerpts of spiritual chat, I had with maa Yamuna.

Writer:

Maa you don’t look happy, and wear a puzzled look.

Yamuna: 

I am worried about the future of my children in Delhi. Despite all the tall talks by your netas, nothing has been done to clean the waterways. Even rain water is not harvested for future needs.

Writer: 

I can understand your concern maa. You see Robert Burn rightly says: “man’s inhumanity to man makes countless mourn.” 

Yamuna: 

Man is the worst enemy of himself. And he would be the cause of his own annihilations and extinction in dstant future. Even Mother Nature would not be able to help the man.

Writer:

Maa tell me about yourself. I wish to pen it down for my valued readers and posterity.

Yamuna: 

Far beyond the descend of mammals on earth and human knowledge and memory, I was born as per today’s geographical nomenclature in Yamunotri Glacier near Bander poonch peaks in Mussorie range of the lower Himalayas. You know, Surya Dev (Sun God) is my father: Yamah (God of Death) is my brother. Splashing through the untrodden jungles, non descript villages, small towns and big cities, with many younger sisters (tributaries) – Toshi, Betwa, ChamBal, Ken and Sindhu rivers, I (Yamuna) merge with Ganga and Saraswati (my elder sisters) in Allahabad. It is known by today’s man as Prayag confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati.

Writer:

Maa with the present condition of your watercourse, no one can think that you have such a glorious past.

Yamuna: 

Not only that it is fact that whoever takes a dip in my waterways with all devotion, gets rid of unfounded fears. From time immemorial, humans have been nurturing this belief. My innumerable children (devotees) still have this age old faith.

Writer:

I know maa, I have seen your children taking holy dip in your waterways when thousands of people throng, particularly, on special days - puran mashi, Ganga dussehra, magh months, kartik Purnima, Chhat puja even today.

Yamuna: 

What you call your government doesn’t care about my waterways. Still hundreds of nullah and drain spill into my watercourse, making it contaminated beyond cleaning. It is not just present generation but posterity shall bear the brunt.

Writer:

Maa our netas are corrupt beyond correction. They always play politics for their self –preservation and self- aggrandizement. Nobody cares for the time-tested values.

Yamuna: 

With Narendra Modi on PM seat, my hope for the betterment was raised. He makes a great show of respect and addresses Ganga as his mother in Varanashi but to my utter surprise, not to speak of respect, he, perhaps, even doesn’t recognize his mausi (Yamuna) in Delhi - pure political reasons. And your Kejriwal, born yesterday, is more interested in his childish prank - brag and boast. I doubt whether he would ever grow up or not. But beta my heart sobs to see the pitiable plight of children of Delhi. Ignorant lots don’t know what they have done and what they are doing. Beta, it is time to make a move. May all blessing follow you.

Writer:

Pranam Maa (saluting mother Yamuna)