Overflowing Bins & Choked Roads: Clean City Claims Far From Reality

New Delhi: A large open garbage collection point in a busy area; an overflowing bin in the centre of a bustling market; waste piling up in a corner. For most people living in different parts of Delhi, these sights — and the overpowering stench — are all too familiar.In south Delhi, behind Lady Shri Ram College, a dilapidated green metal shed marks an open garbage point where heaps of mixed waste — plastic, food, cloth and construction debris — spill far beyond the designated area. The broken structure and muddy, uneven ground indicate prolonged neglect and irregular lifting.
Amrita, a 19-year-old English (Hons) student at the college, said the foul smell was unbearable when she first came across the dumping site. "Now, I hold my breath and cover my face with a cloth whenever I pass," she said.Similarly, in Greater Kailash, a roadside garbage dump enclosed by damaged blue metal sheets has turned into an informal sorting zone. Large sacks of recyclable waste lie piled near the enclosure and loose trash spills onto the road. As pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles navigate the garbage, waste-pickers are seen loading material onto cycle carts, highlighting poor segregation and dependence on informal waste handling.In Chirag Dilli, overflowing bins placed along a tree-lined road have resulted in garbage spilling onto the footpath and carriageway. The dumping has narrowed a two-lane road into a single usable lane, causing daily traffic congestion along a busy stretch used by commuters travelling between Chirag Dilli and GK-2. Pedestrians, including college students, said the stench is so strong that it becomes difficult to breathe while crossing the area.Garbage also lies scattered near Turkman Gate, East of Kailash, Shalimar Bagh, Shradhanand Marg and Burari, said residents. In Amrit Vihar, Burari, a narrow stretch is littered with plastic wrappers, paper, cloth, food waste and debris. Stray cows are seen feeding on the waste, while pedestrians carefully try to avoid the filth.In many colonies, residents said, garbage collection points (dhalaos) have overflowed onto footpaths and roads, obstructing pedestrian movement and attracting stray dogs, cows and pigs.Karan Aggarwal, an RWA member from East of Kailash, said garbage dumps could be spotted every few kilometres in the area. "There are at least five garbage points within a 5-7km stretch, often located next to parks where people come for morning walks. Instead of fresh air, they are forced to deal with stench and filth," he said.Apart from sanitation and environmental concerns, the situation also leads to bottlenecks, he pointed out. "When garbage spreads onto the road, only one vehicle can pass at a time, worsening the traffic situation," he said.Ashok Basin, president of a north Delhi RWA, said residents in areas such as Sabzi Mandi, Ghanta Ghar, Nehru Kutiya, Kabir Basti and Kishanganj have repeatedly complained about garbage accumulation. "In many places, cleaning happens only once in two or three days," he said.B S Vohra, president of the East Delhi RWAs Joint Front, said while many open dhalaos in east Delhi have been closed over time and replaced with compactor machines, concerns remain. "The closure of open dhalaos is a welcome step, but the foul smell emitted by compactor trucks during transit is a serious concern. Municipal Corporation of Delhi must ensure proper sealing, maintenance and sanitation of these vehicles to prevent air pollution and protect public health," he said.Delhi generates nearly 11,000 tonnes of solid waste every day. While door-to-door collection has expanded across most areas, segregation at source continues to remain a major challenge. Residents of several areas pointed out that despite the installation of separate dry and wet waste bins, many do not follow segregation norms. Sandeep Kapoor, chairperson of MCD's sanitation committee, said all required facilities, including machinery, vehicles, compactors and tippers, have already been provided."Any lapses found on the ground will invite strict action against area officials, including the sanitary inspector and staff responsible. Instructions have also been issued to identify habitual garbage dumping spots and people who continue to dump waste despite warnings. Mapping of such locations is being carried out so that targeted action can be taken," he saidThe civic body, he added, is working towards making Delhi cleaner and all necessary steps will be taken to improve sanitation across areas.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !