MCD Yet to Clean Area Ahead of Muharram Despite Multiple Requests, Say Nizamuddin West Residents

Introduction

As Muharram approaches, residents of Nizamuddin West are expressing frustration over the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) failure to clean the area. Despite multiple requests, garbage and construction debris remain, raising concerns about the safety and cleanliness for the thousands expected to gather at the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.

shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.

Concerns of Nizamuddin West Residents

Shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya

Nizamuddin West is home to the revered shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. This area holds significant importance, especially during Muharram, when large processions are conducted.

Annual Muharram Processions

Procession Details

Every year during Muharram, two significant processions are held. The first one takes place within Nizamuddin West, and the second one moves from the shrine to Karbala in Jor Bagh. These processions are essential religious events for the local community.

Expected Crowd

This year, the processions are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with an estimated participation of 30,000 to 40,000 people. The large gathering underscores the need for a clean and safe environment.

Unmet Cleaning Requests

Residents' Efforts to Contact Authorities

Despite repeated reminders to the MCD, the area remains unclean. Residents, including Syed Kashif Ali Nizami, the shrine in charge, have written to various officials, including the area MLA, the councillor, and the MCD Commissioner, but have received no satisfactory response.

Response from Shrine In Charge

Syed Kashif Ali Nizami highlighted the gravity of the situation, mentioning the potential risks of an unclean environment during such large gatherings. “We have written to the area MLA and councillor, as well as to the MCD Commissioner, but to no avail. We have already obtained police permission to conduct the religious processions. But, God forbid, if an untoward incident happens here, who will be responsible,” he questioned.

Official Responses and Actions

Statement from MLA Praveen Kumar

Area MLA Praveen Kumar (AAP) mentioned that he had visited the area and initiated the cleaning process. “We have also made arrangements to ensure no waterlogging happens in the area during the two days,” he assured.

Former Mayor Farad Suri's Comments

Former Mayor Farad Suri (Congress) expressed his disappointment with the MCD’s inaction this year. “The MCD has always ensured that the area is cleaned up in time for Muharram. But, to my dismay, this year, potholes are clearly visible, garbage is strewn around the route, drains and sewers are overflowing, and trees have not been pruned,” he said. Suri added that despite raising the issue with the MCD Commissioner, the problems remain largely unresolved.

Risks and Safety Concerns

Past Incidents and Precautions

Residents like Mohammad Qureshi, a restaurant owner, are worried about potential safety hazards. He recalled a recent tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh where a stampede during a religious event led to multiple deaths. “We know about the recent religious event in U.P. where a lot of people died in a stampede. But even in the wake of this incident, the administration is not working proactively to prevent such an incident here by clearing the narrow pathways leading up to the shrine,” he stated.

Current State of the Area

The current state of Nizamuddin West, with garbage, construction debris, and waterlogged areas, poses significant risks to the large number of people expected to attend the processions. The lack of timely cleaning by the MCD has left the residents anxious about the safety and smooth conduct of the Muharram events.

Conclusion

The residents of Nizamuddin West are urging the MCD to take immediate action to clean the area ahead of the Muharram processions. The presence of thousands of people in an unclean environment not only disrespects the sanctity of the event but also poses severe health and safety risks. Authorities need to prioritize the cleanliness and safety of the area to ensure a smooth and respectful observance of Muharram.

FAQs

1. What is the issue faced by Nizamuddin West residents? Residents are frustrated with the MCD's failure to clean the area ahead of Muharram despite multiple requests.
2. How many people are expected to participate in the Muharram processions? An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 people are expected to participate in the processions.
3. Who is responsible for the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya? Syed Kashif Ali Nizami is in charge of the shrine.
4. What actions have been taken by local authorities? Area MLA Praveen Kumar stated that cleaning has begun, and arrangements to prevent waterlogging have been made. However, former Mayor Farad Suri mentioned that many issues remain unresolved.
5. What are the safety concerns mentioned by the residents? Residents are worried about potential safety hazards due to unclean pathways, especially in light of a recent tragic stampede in Uttar Pradesh.