Delhi can't cope with quake

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 27. If an earthquake of the intensity that hit Gujarat early this year rocks Delhi, it would have disastrous consequences, in view of the massive haphazard and unauthorised constructions that have mushroomed without any check, the Delhi Urban Development Minister, Dr.A.K. Walia, warned today.

Replying to a Short Duration discussion, initiated by Mr. Arvinder Singh Lovely, on the deteriorating situation of MCD roads and sanitation, and the misuse of funds, Dr. Walia said the BJP-dominated MCD had failed to check unauthorised constructions and was giving patronage to the building mafia. There was no proper monitoring and the incidence of illegal structures was as high as 70 per cent in the Capital.

``We are heading for a dangerous situation and the entire scenario is alarming. Delhi falls in seismic Zone IV and one can well imagine the scenario when an earthquake of the intensity of Gujarat hits Delhi. This has to be checked and the level of monitoring has to be toned up substantially,'' he added.

Terming the MCD set-up as inefficient, irresponsive and corrupt, Dr. Walia said more than Rs. 1,000 crores are provided by the Delhi Government to the MCD every year but it is unfortunate that accounts of not a single penny are provided by the Corporation. This is the trend that has been going on for the past many years.

Giving an example, Dr. Walia said the MCD was asked to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Delhi Government, but they refused. Instead, they said they would submit an action plan. Despite repeated reminders since April, the action plan has only been sent 10 days ago. The fund utilisation certificate is not submitted to the Government by the MCD authorities. Every time accounts are sought by the Finance Minister, Mr. Mahinder Singh Saathi, a different picture is presented by the MCD officials, giving an indication of the lawlessness prevailing in the civic body.

He said 7,000 tonnes of garbage is generated every day but no provision has been made to dispose it of scientifically. This has led to environmental degradation and rise in air pollution. He said the 500 metric tonne compost plant set up recently was on the verge of closure due to the indifferent attitude of the MCD authorities.

Interestingly, as soon as the debate began, Mr. Mukesh Sharma (Cong) was on his feet protesting to the Speaker, Chaudhary Prem Singh, that senior MCD officials including the Commissioner, Mr.S.P. Aggarwal, were not present in the House when such an important discussion was taking place. He said it was contempt of the House and urged the Speaker to summon the Commissioner.

Chaudhary Prem Singh pointed out that the Chief Minister and the Urban Development Minister were present in the House and there was no need to summon the Commissioner. However, this did not satisfy the Congress members who were on their feet demanding his presence. At this, the Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit, said she supported the demand of her MLAs and this tantamounts to breach of privilege. The Speaker agreed that this was wrong and informed the House that he would convey to the MCD the sentiments of the members.

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