While the Delhi government continues to highlight improvements in water supply and sewer infrastructure, the situation on the ground in Mandawali paints a starkly different picture. In the Mandawali area of Patparganj Assembly constituency, residents have been grappling with severe sewer overflow for more than a month, exposing the gap between official claims and ground reality.
Overflowing Sewers Disrupt Daily Life
In B-Block Mandawali and surrounding localities, sewage water has been overflowing onto roads, creating unhygienic conditions and unbearable stench. Streets remain waterlogged with dirty sewage, making it difficult for residents to walk, commute, or even step outside their homes. The persistent filth has raised serious concerns about the spread of diseases.
Local resident Athar said the condition of drains and sewers has deteriorated drastically. “Dirty water from clogged sewers spreads across the roads every day. We have filed complaints through the Delhi Jal Board’s online portal and also submitted written complaints at the local office, but even after a month, no concrete action has been taken,” he said.
Residents Accuse MLA of Ignoring Basic Issues
Anger among residents is steadily growing. Locals allege that area MLA Ravinder Singh Negi speaks about development projects but shows little seriousness toward basic civic problems like sewer management. According to residents, while political leaders are often seen attending naming ceremonies and formal events, critical issues affecting daily life continue to be neglected.
People Forced to Spend from Their Own Pockets
Omwati, a resident of B-Block Mandawali, said the situation became so bad that she had to raise the level of the road outside her house at her own expense. “There was a time when standing outside the house was impossible. Sewage water reached our feet, and the smell made it hard to breathe,” she said, adding that repeated complaints failed to bring any relief.
Health Risks Increasing for Children and Elderly
Another resident, Shadab Praveen, pointed out that due to sewer overflow, wastewater is no longer draining properly and is flowing back into homes. “This has caused damage and constant distress. The impact on children and elderly residents is clearly visible, with health issues becoming more frequent,” he said.
Demand for Immediate and Permanent Solution
Residents say the repeated assurances by the Delhi government and the Delhi Jal Board regarding sewer maintenance appear hollow in Mandawali’s case. They have demanded that senior officials visit the area, inspect the situation, and implement a permanent solution to prevent recurring sewage overflow.
Until concrete action is taken, locals fear that the worsening sanitation conditions could lead to a serious public health crisis, further eroding public trust in civic authorities.
