Yamuna, conflict with AAP marked Saxena’s term

New Delhi: The tenure of VK Saxena, who served as Delhi LG for nearly four years, saw not just high-visibility plans such as a new archeological park, green public spaces alongside the Yamuna and the G20 Summit, but also an unprecedented, high-conflict relationship with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) govt.Saxena took over as LG in May 2022 and hit the ground running – quite literally. His first inspection, which turned out to be one of many, was to the road from Dhaula Kuan to the IGI Airport.
Perhaps, the biggest project undertaken by Saxena's office was the creation of green spaces and parks alongside the Yamuna – a proposal that had remained on paper for years. Most of the land alongside the river belongs to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which the LG heads – and was encroached. Aided by court orders, the encroached land was vacated and five public spaces were created -- Asita (225 acres), Baansera (37 acres), Vasudev Ghat (225 acres), Yamuna Vatika (450 acres) and the Amrit Bio-diversity Park (225 acres). Many of these spaces have also been monetised, with ticketed events held regularly. The Mehrauli Archeological Park and restoration of six major sites was also a key project. "The site is spread over 200 acres and has over 60 heritage structures inside. The first set of monuments were restored and opened to the public within eight months of the LG's first visit," said a LG House official. Sanjay Van (Anang Pal Tomar Van), which houses remnants of Delhi's pre-Islamic past was also restored. "The park is spread over 1,550 acres and houses structures such as Qila Rai Pithora, Anangtal Baoli and the Lalkot Baoli. Shalimar Bagh, a brilliant sample of Indo-Mughal architecture, which was the site of the coronation of emperor Aurangzeb, was also restored as was the St James Church in Kashmere Gate," the official added. During Saxena's tenure as DDA chairperson, the authority posted a revenue surplus after 12 years between 2023 and 25. According to officials, a new luxury flats segment, increase in token money, allocation through first come first serve and e-auction and removing the restriction of owning a property in Delhi for applying in DDA housing schemes gave the body a financial boost. One theme that was prevalent through his tenure, however, was the conflict with AAP. The first flashpoint between Saxena and then chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was when the former held a meeting with Delhi Jal Board officials days after taking over in 2022 and gave them directions regarding water and sewage management. AAP ministers termed this meeting as the LG overstepping his brief. Public statements, responding to the elected govt's allegations, something unprecedented till then, became regular issue from the Office of the LG thereafter. Saxena also recommended central agency inquiries against the AAP govt on several issues – right from the excise policy to the construction of classrooms and the procurement of buses. Interestingly, most of these recommendations came on complaints and allegations first raised by the Congress. Saxena's tenure also saw the elected govt going to court on at least 12 issues. The most significant of these was the tussle over the control of the services department. While the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the govt, an Ordinance and then the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023, put the control of officers in the hands of the LG, changing the way Delhi is governed.