Unauthorised colonies linked with roads, sewer lines: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: Alleging that people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi were victims of politics, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the AAP government transformed these localities with massive development in the last few years.
Speaking after inaugurating newly constructed streets and drains in Khirki Extension and Panchsheel Colony, Kejriwal said his government had built roads with a cumulative length of 3,500km and laid 2,500km of sewer and water pipelines in unauthorised colonies.
"People living in unauthorised colonies of Delhi were shortchanged by the politicians who made promises but did nothing for them while they were in power. I am not here to do politics. I only know how to work for the people," the CM said.
Listing out the works done by the AAP government in 1,800-odd unauthorised colonies of Delhi in the past eight-and-a-half years, Kejriwal said 850 colonies had been provided with new roads while sewer lines were laid in 750. "Before we came to power, only 250 colonies had roads. All unauthorised colonies will have roads by December this year. It is not less than any miracle," the AAP's national convener said.
More than 50 lakh people are estimated to be living in unauthorised colonies of Delhi. Kejriwal said while 884 colonies were provided with water pipelines in 70 years, his government laid water pipelines in all the colonies.
Referring to the newly enacted GNCTD Amendment Act, 2023, Kejriwal said that though the Centre had snatched most of the powers, his government was still working for the people of Delhi. "I believe unless every child is provided good education and every person receives good healthcare, India cannot become number one country in the world. We will do this wherever AAP forms government," the chief minister said.
Kejriwal said the AAP government had turned around its schools in the last nine years and now, children from private schools were taking admissions in them. He also talked about his government's works in the health sector through mohalla clinics and revamp of government hospitals.