Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
Okhla, a Muslim majority assembly segment in Southeast Delhi, is a constituency that mirrors the stark contrast between the city’s booming growth and the invisible corners left to languish. While it boasts notable landmarks such as Jamia Millia Islamia and thriving food hubs like Shaheen Bagh, its residents live in the shadows of urban progress and grapple with chronic infrastructural deficiencies. From crumbling roads and overflowing drains to a severe lack of green spaces and reliable healthcare, the locality stands as a testament to how political neglect has left its people to face enduring hardships.
Overflowing Drains and Exposed Manholes
A simple walk through Okhla is enough to reveal the depth of its infrastructural woes. Overflowing drains, exposed manholes and pothole-riddled roads are the painful everyday reality for locals. During the monsoon, the situation becomes even more unbearable as stagnant sewage floods the streets, forcing residents to navigate through unpleasant and hazardous conditions.
Areas like Pahalwan Chowk in Batla House are notorious for their chronic drainage problems, leaving residents to deal with waterlogging, stench and the threat of diseases.
“We have repeatedly complained to the municipal authorities about the overflowing drains and manholes, but no one listens,” said Amjad Masoodi, a resident of Okhla village.
Even the e-rickshaw drivers, who provide essential local transportation, are forced to work amidst these conditions – battling dangerous road conditions that can lead to breakdowns or accidents.
A Growing Health Crisis
The area surrounding Al Shifa Hospital is one of the most glaring examples of Okhla’s neglect. A massive, unaddressed drain runs right outside the hospital, exuding foul odors and contributing to unsanitary conditions. Despite repeated promises from political leaders during election seasons, no action has been taken. This unsightly drain not only poses a health risk but also disrupts the patients’ experience, making it almost impossible to recover in such an environment.
“Every election, they come with promises to fix this drain, but nothing changes,” said Abdul Rahman, a shopkeeper in the vicinity. Residents are left wondering why basic hygiene and maintenance seem like an afterthought, especially in a locality housing an important healthcare facility.
The Absence of Green Spaces
For a densely populated constituency, Okhla lacks one vital aspect of urban development: green spaces. Parks and recreational areas are virtually non-existent, forcing children to play on dangerous roads and leaving adults with nowhere to relax or exercise.
Zainab Khan, a student, says, “We are surrounded only by concrete. There is no park where we can exercise or just relax. It is suffocating.”
Parents, too, worry about their children’s safety, knowing the risks posed by the damaged roads and uncovered manholes. The absence of designated play areas and safe spaces for outdoor activities reflects a glaring oversight in the area’s planning and development.
Waste Management Woes
The lack of a proper waste management system only exacerbates the situation. With no designated garbage dump yards, residents are forced to dispose of their waste in public spaces, leading to unhygienic conditions and health hazards. Local business owners, like Raju, a tea stall owner at Tikona Park, lament the worsening situation, “People dump garbage here, and the smell is unbearable.”
Efforts to resolve these issues have been met with indifference from local authorities. Despite multiple complaints, the situation has remained largely unchanged, leading to growing frustration among the locals.
Shaheen Bagh: A Growing Safety Hazard
Shaheen Bagh, once a quiet residential area, has transformed into one of Delhi’s most popular street food hubs. While the area has become a vibrant centre for food lovers, it has also become a safety nightmare. Overcrowded streets filled with vendors, vehicles and pedestrians have created traffic congestion and fire hazards, with many shops lacking proper fire safety measures.
“The area is so crowded, and the shops are packed together so tightly that it feels like an accident waiting to happen,” said a local resident, highlighting the dangers that accompany the area’s rapid expansion.
Healthcare, Education: A Glaring Gap
Despite the large population, Okhla’s healthcare infrastructure remains grossly inadequate. The few Mohalla Clinics that exist are often closed or ill-equipped, leaving residents to rely on private clinics.
The educational facilities are equally underdeveloped, with many local schools lacking basic infrastructure and qualified teaching staff.
Salma Parveen, a concerned parent, summed up the situation, saying, “Our children study in overcrowded classrooms with no proper education being provided.”
Narrow Roads and Overpopulation
The growing population and narrow roads of Okhla exacerbate daily commuting struggles. Traffic congestion is a constant issue, and while e-rickshaws are an essential mode of transport, their unregulated presence often results in traffic jams and unsafe conditions.
As Sameer Ahmed, a local shopkeeper, points out, “E-rickshaws park haphazardly, blocking roads and causing jams. They are essential, but there needs to be some regulation.”
A Call for Change Amid Election Promises
As the 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections approach, Okhla’s residents are once again confronting a familiar pattern – political promises that never materialise. With candidates like Amanatullah Khan from the Aam Aadmi Party, Manish Chaudhary from the Bhartiya Janata Party and Ariba Khan from the Congress vying for the constituency, the people of Okhla are left wondering when the issues that plague their daily lives will be addressed.
“Politicians only remember us when it is time to ask for votes,” says Rizwan, a local restaurant owner.
The systemic neglect of Okhla demands a renewed focus on infrastructure, healthcare and basic amenities. Only with political will, administrative efficiency and community involvement can Okhla begin to reclaim its rightful place in the city’s development narrative.