Hosting of G-20 summit was a moment of great pride for India. Like many areas of Delhi ,the New Friends Colony market was also cleaned and renovated, for which great amount of time, efforts and money was spent by the government Authorities. Each government agency made sure that the market was up to the safety, security and cleanliness standards for the G-20 delegation. However, once the G-20 summit got over the market is now again left to be neglected. The footpaths are again encroached upon by the hawkers. The Market is again littered with garbage and all the plant pots kept for decoration are decreasing with each passing day. The entrance of the market is encroached upon by cloth sellers, mobile accessories seller , toy seller and a momo seller stall using a LPG cylinder. The shop owners and managers have tried to notify the relevant authorities namely MCD and Delhi Police but despite repeated written complaints no action yet has been taken by the concerned authorities. It is hard to imagine seeing the condition of the market that this market is under “A category” of MCD property Tax.
So, the question is now that the G-20 is over, Ab Sab Chalta hai ? The matter of safety and cleanliness of any markets will only matter if there is an international summit like G-20 taking place ? If it was not a hazard why were these encroachments of public land removed weeks before G-20? Is there no value for lives and safety of ordinary Indian citizens ? As citizens of India, don’t we deserve a clean and safe market all through out the year ? Who will be responsible if the there is any untoward incidents in the market due to these stalls ? Can a random Unauthorized food stall using LPG cylinder just come up over night at the entrance of the market where thousands of people walk through everyday ? Not a single government person noticed this ? Why no action is being taken despite written complaints of so many shops ? Why is Delhi police and MCD mute spectators to such major safety hazard in one of the biggest community centre markets in Delhi ?
Through this article we are putting this in knowledge of residents of New Friends colony who visit the market for their daily needs. So that they may try to force the relevant authorities to take action. This article is also aimed as an appeal for government agencies so that they may take necessary steps in the interest of public safety and wellbeing. Let’s not forget that the Uphar cinema tragedy was avoidable , had regulatory authorities not taken a “ Sab chalta hai “ approach. So please let’s not wait for a tragedy to happen before the authorities take action, because when it is a matter of lives and public safety – SAB NAHI CHALTA HAI.
