New Delhi: MCD has completed nearly 74% of its internal road redevelopment target for the first half of the year. However, residents across several colonies have pointed out that roads awaiting repairs for years remain untouched.In a report submitted to LG, the civic body said it had finished end-to-end carpeting or repairs on 478km out of 650km of roads till June 30.As part of its dust pollution mitigation plan, MCD has targeted to carpet, repair or redevelop 1,202km of roads less than 60 feet wide by Dec, with 80% of the work scheduled for completion by Oct-end. The report states 2,975 road works have been identified, with funds already available for 2,375 of them. MCD said financial constraints would not hamper execution this time, unlike in previous years.“The work is being carried out as per CAQM guidelines, which require that no brown patches, damaged stretches or non-concretised portions remain on roads. We are repairing drains and footpaths, and carrying out tiling along road edges and around trees. Progress reports are regularly shared with CAQM,” said an official.However, residents in many neighbourhoods said several stretches still need attention.According to the Defence Colony RWA, road carpeting work began a few months ago but stopped within days after only a few lanes were repaired. “The West Asia war pushed up bitumen prices, and thereafter the work stopped. Since then, we have not received any communication from MCD on when it will resume,” said Maj (Retd) Ranjit Singh, president, Defence Colony Welfare Association.The GK-II RWA said two roads — one each in S Block and E Block — were repaired after the local MLA’s intervention. “At least 52 roads across all four residential blocks require dense carpeting. Even light rain worsens their condition. The situation has remained the same for over five years,” said Sanjay Rana, a member of the GK-II RWA.Several residents also said no consultation was held and no information was shared regarding plans to repair roads inside their colonies.Neha Puri, a resident of Green Park Extension, said while nearly 60% of the service lanes in the colony had been repaired, work was urgently required on internal roads outside residential houses. “MCD carpeted three-four roads connecting to the main Green Park area, but several roads remain damaged from H Block to B Block in Green Park Extension,” she added.According to an MCD official, “MCD doesn’t have its own funds for road carpeting. The work is being executed using funds provided by Delhi govt under different heads. MLAs, based on representations received from councillors and RWAs, submit lists or recommendations. Accordingly, tenders are invited. All damaged roads are being covered.”MCD said it is carrying out regular pothole repairs with technical support from Central Road Research Institute using ready-to-use cold mix material.
