Large swathes unauthorised,development is key issue in East

The East Delhi Corporation has been formed by merging Shahdara (North) and Shahdara (South) and has a population of 32.29 lakh — 16.33 per cent of which is Scheduled Caste. This civic agency also has the highest number of Muslim voters — nearly 30 per cent.

“After the trifurcation,Muslims are in majority in this corporation. Their support is with the Congress. People are aware that Congress is in power at both the Centre and the state. If they elect them at the civic level,too,they will see tremendous development. East Delhi Corporation will definitely be won by the Congress,” said Taj Mohammad,Congress councillor from Nehru Vihar.

The East also has many unauthorised and resettlement colonies,JJ clusters and slums. Of the 64 wards under its jurisdiction,around 20 comprise unauthorised colonies. Wards like Vinod Nagar,Mandawli,Laxmi Nagar,Pandav Nagar,Bhajanpura and Brahmpuri have seen little development over the past years. This is also expected to add to the challenges for the corporation when it comes to infrastructure development.

“There will be challenges of illegal construction. Cramped localities and little penetration of the civic body will add to our challenges,” said a senior civic body official.

Dominated by the economically weaker sections and rural population,the area also witnesses maximum voter turnout. During the 2007 municipal polls,East Delhi saw 44.83 per cent voter turnout.

The lack of urban localities in the area could,however,hinder generation of revenue.

“Sustaining the vast rural clusters is likely to run the corporation into huge liability. But due to the Commonwealth Games,areas neighbouring Akshardham Temple have seen some development,” the official said.

The areas under East Delhi Corporation are also in urgent need of sanitation upgrade. Works Committee chairman Jagdish Mamgain said: “The colonies were built first,and the basic amenities provided later. The sewer lines here are choked and no cleanliness drive has taken place in the area.”

The presence of unauthorised colonies,however,restricts the scope of development.

“The councillors in the unauthorised colonies can’t spend on development. Only water and sewerage facilities are permitted here,which are beyond the control of the Municipal Corporation. But residents blame us for lack of facilities,” said Dr V K Monga,BJP Councillor from Krishna Nagar.