In a significant turn of events, the residents of Safdarjung Enclave have taken to the streets in protest against the expansion of the well-known Rajinder Da Dhaba. The beloved 56 year old eatery has recently faced criticism from the local community, leading to a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to conduct an inspection of the area. The protest comes in the wake of a petition by the Safdarjung Enclave AB Block Market Welfare Association, highlighting concerns about noise and air pollution. According to the petition, these issues arise from the eatery’s usage of open-air generators and tandoors, which significantly impact the locality. Pankaj Aggarwal, Gen Sect of Efforts Group (Joint Front RWA’s of Delhi) stated, “The main problems are the increasing traffic congestion and the growing waste management issues directly attributed to the high footfall at Rajinder Da Dhaba. It’s imperative that the pollution norms are strictly observed to ensure minimal disruption to the local community.”
Management’s Response
In response to the allegations, the eatery’s management has vehemently denied using coal-based systems and open-air generators. “Our operations have shifted to power cuts and compressor-backed setups to manage waste efficiently,” said Shreyank Dua, joint chief executive officer. However, this reassurance has done little to quell the concerns of the residents. Onkar Singh, president of the Safdarjung Enclave AB Block Market Welfare Association, emphasized, “Despite the eatery’s expansion including multiple open-air tandoors and unwarranted market encroachments, the pollution and disruption to daily life continue unabated.”
Authority Intervention
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken substantial steps by instructing the DPCC to expedite their inspection of the site. Concurrently, other local shopkeepers have reported increased difficulties in operating their businesses due to rising pollution levels and rodent problems linked to the eatery.
Community’s Call to Action
The protest saw a significant turnout from local residents and shopkeepers alike, underlining the need for stringent pollution control measures and adherence to local guidelines by businesses operating in residential areas. The DPCC’s forthcoming inspection results, along with the feedback from the community, will likely to determine the future course of action regarding Rajinder Da Dhaba. The residents of Safdarjung Enclave continue to stand strong, advocating for a balance between preserving the iconic status of Rajinder Da Dhaba and maintaining a sustainable, peaceful environment in their locality.
For further updates, stay tuned to our monthly edition and join the discussion on how our community can best address these ongoing challenges.
