New Delhi: Anger spilled onto the streets in Burari as residents, traders and local advocates came together for a large protest and shutdown against crumbling roads, prolonged sewer work and worsening civic conditions in the area.
Shops remained shut and residents marched through the locality, raising slogans and demanding answers from elected representatives over what they described as years of neglect. Protesters alleged that road construction and sewer-related works have dragged on for years, leaving several stretches dug up, dusty and dangerous.
Residents said the condition of roads across Burari, including key stretches such as 100-foot road, 60-foot road, Baba Colony Road, Jagatpur Road and several internal lanes, has become unbearable. They claimed potholes, mud, dust and constant traffic snarls have turned daily travel into an ordeal.
According to locals, even a short five-minute journey now takes two to three hours because of congestion and damaged roads. They also expressed concern over the impact on emergency services, saying ambulances, fire services or evacuation vehicles would struggle to move quickly through the area in case of a crisis.
Many residents said the situation becomes even worse during rain, when waterlogging and mud make movement hazardous. During dry weather, thick dust clouds affect commuters, schoolchildren, shopkeepers and senior citizens.
Several people at the protest shared personal accounts of hardship. Some said two-wheelers frequently skid on the damaged roads, while others claimed accidents have become common. Residents also raised concerns about rising vehicle repair costs, school commute delays and worsening air quality due to dust.
Local lawyers who joined the protest said the public frustration has been building for nearly three years and accused both the local MLA and MP of failing to ensure timely completion of road and sewer works. Protesters named Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha and MP Manoj Tiwari, alleging that despite repeated appeals, no lasting solution has been delivered.
What stood out in the protest was the broad-based participation. Residents said the movement was not about political parties but about basic civic survival. Traders downed shutters, locals gathered in large numbers and people from different political backgrounds appeared united over the issue.
A section of residents also said sewer infrastructure itself is necessary, but questioned why the work has continued for such a long period without road restoration. They alleged that tenders keep getting extended while people continue to suffer.
The protest reflected deep resentment over what residents described as the collapse of basic civic management in one of Delhi’s largest Assembly constituencies. Demonstrators warned that if road restoration and infrastructure repairs are not completed soon, public anger is likely to intensify further.
