Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Major (retired) RPS Malhotra sparked controversy by alleging rampant corruption in the municipal corporation, during the “Sarkar Apde Dwar” programme held in the factory area here today. The event was attended by Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh.
Malhotra raised concerns over waterlogging in the area and alleged that a faulty pipeline installed by the civic body had exacerbated the problem. He claimed that despite repeated complaints filed by residents, the issue had remained unresolved for over six months.
“The residents have been raising this problem repeatedly, but the civic body staff have failed to address it. Even after flagging the matter to the SDO and Junior Engineer (JE) concerned, no action has been taken,” Malhotra said during the event.
Residents supported Malhotra’s complaints, highlighting the persistent inconvenience caused by the waterlogging and faulty pipeline.
The Health Minister did not immediately comment on the leader’s statements, leaving the situation tense at the public forum.
The allegations put the party in an awkward position, as the AAP-led administration faces criticism for not addressing civic issues effectively.
Residents are already up in arms against the civic authorities over the delay in recarpeting of roads which were dug up for laying pipelines for the 24x7 surface water project.
Dr Balbir Singh today resolved the issues of a large number of people gathered in wards 21, 16 and 14. He stated that just as he visited people’s homes during elections, he would also meet people and resolve their issues.
The minister said the previous government had left road and pipeline work incomplete and had dug up roads, causing a lot of inconvenience. These incomplete works were now being completed rapidly. He said the expensive lights installed by the previous regime soon developed snags and the majority of these remained non-functional. These street lights were now being replaced by the ruling government at a lower cost.
The Health Minister listened to the problems of people from Factory Area, Ekta Nagar, Ghumman Nagar and Abchal Nagar. Responding to their request, the minister immediately ordered the officials concerned to repair the stretch.
He ordered the installation of large motors in areas where drinking water is not clean or there is a shortage of water.
He asked the SMO to organise camps for pregnant women, children and the elderly to provide them with free healthcare.