NEW DELHI: North Delhi Municipal Corporation has shut down 246 dhalaos in its six zones and targets closing of another 100 by December-end.
These dhalaos will either be revamped by the civic body or given to RWAs, market associations or NGOs for developing public facilities, such as temporary shelters for sanitation staff, recreational halls, libraries or public toilets. The proposal has been approved in the standing committee meeting.
The sites will be transferred for a period of five years to the selected organisations, which will bear the entire development and maintenance cost, said a corporation official.
“Most of the closed dhalaos were situated on the right of way of the roads, corner of parks, or municipal buildings. These closed dhalaos are in dilapidated condition and causing hindrance to smooth flow of the traffic. Further, it has been observed that people often throw garbage in open in front of these closed secondary receptacles/storage depots, which not only creates unhygienic conditions but also attracts stray animals,” stated the proposal.
Standing committee chairman Jogi Ram Jain said: “Since their closure, there has been demand from residents that these sites should be better utilised with the help of NGOs, RWAs or organisations under CSR activity to avoid inconvenience to people. We have decided to implement the proposal on priority.”
After receiving permissions, these sites can be demolished and redeveloped by the selected RWA/organisation. “In case the services are not found up to the mark, the contract can be terminated by the civic body. The organisation shall also show clearance of electricity and water bills after every six months. No activity for profit making will be allowed to be carried at these locations,” the proposal added.
