LG slams ‘dire state’ of south Delhi localities, AAP hits back

New Delhi: A fresh war of words erupted Monday between lieutenant governor V K Saxena and the elected dispensation in Delhi, with the former accusing AAP of neglecting the city's infrastructure and the latter saying his primary responsibility was to maintain law and order.
A day after Saxena inspected some areas in south Delhi, he expressed dismay over the "dire state" of civic amenities and the "lack of proper infrastructure and basic facilities"."During a visit to Rangpuri, Aya Nagar and Jaunapur at the repeated requests of local residents, the appalling example of Delhi govt's inaction and mismanagement once again came to the fore," a statement issued by Raj Niwas said.
"A mesh of dangerously hanging power cables, women with plastic pipes in their hands for getting drinking water, open manholes, and sewage overflowing on the streets narrated the miserable living condition in the area, which is unforgivable," it added.
"There are encroachments and heaps of garbage in the narrow lanes, potholes are filled with sewer water, and mesh of plastic pipes is haphazardly scattered on the streets. Facilities like drinking water and roads don't exist in this part of the capital," said Raj Niwas.
The LG office said waterlogging in a densely populated area like Rangpuri had forced people to live amid stench and diseases. DJB is yet to lay permanent water lines and the roads are in a bad shape, it added. LG said he had urged former CM Kejriwal to address grievances, but he didn't even take cognisance. "I draw the attention of the incumbent CM and request her to focus at least now on governance," he said.
Hitting back, AAP urged LG "to stop posing for photographs at ongoing project sites", and said his primary responsibility in Delhi was to maintain law and order, instead of meddling in the elected govt's work. "By dismissing 10,000 bus marshals, LG is playing with women's safety," it added. Highlighting TOI's report on rising crimes in the city, AAP alleged Delhi had turned into a "gangsters' capital" since Saxena took over as LG. "How many police stations has he visited? How many times has he summoned the police commissioner for an inquiry? What steps has he taken to ensure the safety of residents?" AAP said.