The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday accused the BJP-led Municipal Corporation of Delhi of negligence over multiple deaths caused by people falling into open drains across the city, alleging that the civic body had failed to act despite repeated incidents in recent months.
MCD Leader of Opposition Ankush Narang said several deaths had occurred over the past two and a half months due to uncovered drains and alleged that the BJP-run corporation had attempted to evade responsibility in each case.
Citing recent incidents, Narang referred to the deaths of a 30-year-old man in Rohini, two-year-old Ayesha in Burari, Rahul Singh in Dilshad Garden and Dilju Singh in Rohini, Sector 32, after they allegedly fell into open drains. He claimed that despite repeated tragedies, no substantial preventive measures had been taken by the civic body.
“The monsoon is approaching, but drain cleaning and desilting work have come to a standstill. Delhi is once again heading towards waterlogging and accidents,” he alleged, demanding compensation for affected families and strict action against officials responsible for lapses.
During a press conference, AAP leader and MCD co-incharge Praveen Kumar also criticised the BJP over the issue, alleging that the “four-engine BJP government” had failed to ensure public safety in the Capital.
He demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh each for families of those who died after falling into open drains and alleged that desilting work ahead of the monsoon season remained incomplete.
Kumar further claimed that clogged drains and poor civic maintenance could worsen flooding and waterlogging during the upcoming rainy season, adding that accountability should be fixed on officials concerned for the alleged negligence.
