Delhi lieutenant governor walks the talk, puts officials on notice

NEW DELHI: Within hours of taking over as lieutenant governor of Delhi on Thursday, Vinai Kumar Saxena directed the officials to spruce up the area along the roads that connect Indira Gandhi International Airport with central Delhi.
After taking oath of office, the LG said he would spend more time on the streets of the capital than in Raj Niwas. Walking the talk, Saxena got down to work immediately and conducted a field inspection of all roads leading to the airport from Mandi House in the heart of the city and ordered the officials of Delhi Development Authority, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council and Public Works Department to ensure cleanliness, repair the pavements, spruce up the greenery and remove the dry leaves and trees.
Officials said Saxena stopped at 15-20 locations on the route, including the Mandi House roundabout, Sardar Patel Marg, Dhaula Kuan, Subroto Park, Mahipalpur and Mehram Nagar. An official privy to the development explained, “There are several locations between the airport and the main city that have problems related to cleanliness, broken pavement tiles and dirty drains, all of which leave a bad impression on people arriving in Delhi. The LG has asked all the agencies to identify such issues and prepare a concrete and comprehensive plan of action with fixed timelines through inter-departmental and agency coordination.”
Saxena directed the officials to ensure symmetry in the city's infrastructure, including roads, footpaths, streetlights and signage. He was emphatic about all-round cleanliness, timely desilting of drains, greening of roadsides and maintenance of the central verges.
“The LG laid special emphasis on horticultural overhaul of the area by planting suitable, all-weather flowering plants and aesthetic landscaping that include step gardens and water fountains. He said it was a must to use recycled drain water for greening the dry stretches. The LG also emphasised on complete collection and disposal of garbage to ensure sanitation and cleanliness,” said an official, adding that the new LG wanted areas to be “aesthetically rejuvenated and overhauled” so that they look like a part of a modern national capital.
Officials added that Saxena was also clear on the need for coordination among the different government agencies and urban local bodies while upgrading the city infrastructure and overall beautification. “He underlined the necessity of promoting Delhi as a global city with the effective cooperation of the government and civil society,” said an official.