New Delhi: The Delhi Chief Minister on Wednesday carried out on-site inspections along the Sahibi river, popularly known as the Najafgarh drain, to evaluate civic challenges affecting nearby neighbourhoods. During the visit, she interacted with local residents, listened to their concerns, and reviewed the issues they face, particularly those related to waterlogging, sanitation and street lighting.
According to officials, the inspection was aimed at assessing conditions that directly influence public safety and daily convenience. The Chief Minister stressed that functional street lighting, clean surroundings, and effective water drainage systems are essential for ensuring the security and comfort of citizens. She instructed departments to take corrective steps without delay.
One of the key directives issued during the review was the construction of a sturdy wall along the road adjacent to the Najafgarh drain. The Chief Minister said such a barrier would prevent overflowing water from seeping onto the carriageway, which often leads to damage and deterioration of the road surface. In a post shared on X, she noted that water reaching the roadway at certain locations has been causing visible wear and tear, underscoring the need for preventive measures.
The Chief Minister further called for focused efforts to curb dust accumulation in the area, saying that dust mitigation is crucial for improving both air quality and pedestrian comfort. She emphasised that government officials must not only remain responsive but also proactive in identifying and addressing local concerns.
Speaking about her approach to governance, the Chief Minister said her administration’s priority is to reach out to the public regularly, understand their problems firsthand, and ensure timely solutions. She described this as part of a “new work culture” in Delhi—one that places the safety, dignity, and convenience of every household at the forefront. “This is the new work culture of Delhi, where the safety, convenience, and dignity of every family is our top priority,” she said.
She also referenced the ongoing efforts to tackle pollution and maintain cleanliness across the Capital. According to her, the government is operating on a “war footing” to strengthen sanitation services and improve environmental management. She added that the administration is tailoring its interventions based on area-wise requirements, ensuring that every locality receives attention according to its specific needs.
“Our government’s resolve is to have a Viksit Delhi, Green Delhi, and Clean Delhi, and work is underway in this direction,” the Chief Minister said, reaffirming her commitment to long-term civic improvement.
The visit also saw the presence of MP Praveen Khandelwal, who represents the area under the Shakur Basti assembly constituency. He stated that the government has approved development projects worth ₹500 crore for the region. According to him, the investment is expected to ease the persistent problems faced by residents and facilitate long-awaited infrastructural upgrades. “The decision will bring relief to the residents by resolving long-pending issues,” Khandelwal said.
The inspection comes at a time when several parts of Delhi continue to struggle with recurring problems linked to rapid urbanisation, drainage bottlenecks, pollution, and waste management. The Najafgarh drain, one of the longest and most significant water channels in the city, often becomes a focal point of concern due to its impact on surrounding communities.
Officials noted that the directives issued during the Chief Minister’s visit will now translate into coordinated action by various departments, including public works, sanitation, and urban development. The administration is expected to monitor progress closely in the coming weeks to ensure that the planned interventions are implemented in time and yield visible improvements.
By strengthening infrastructure along the Najafgarh drain and resolving citizen grievances, the government hopes to enhance the quality of life in some of Delhi’s densely populated areas. The Chief Minister’s visit, officials say, reflects a continued focus on ground-level assessment and direct engagement with residents to advance the city’s development goals.
