Dwarka: Green areas in markets fall victim to encroachment and garbage dumping

Dwarka: Encroachment and garbage dumping in the green areas in the Mixed Land Use (MLUs) markets of Dwarka has become a common sight. The areas along the boundary walls of the market can be seen either encroached by street vendors or by influential people in the market, killing the green area.

Shopkeepers dump waste building material, broken glass, even damaged commode and more such goods in these green areas. Markets in Sector 4,5,6,10, 11 and 12 are where this sight has become very common. SK Sharma, a resident of Sector 4 says, “Here in such green areas, many vendors have been allowed in connivance with the system and the influential people of the market. While encroaching such areas, first the green space is destroyed and then the area is captured.”

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Green areas of the market of Sector 6, Sector 10, markets around Ashirvad Chowk, Post Office Market at Sector 6, Bank Market at Sector 6 are in bad shape. These green are littered with garbage or encroached by the vendors. “The condition is pathetic in Sector 12 market. Here, some small vendors have encroached the whole planter passage. They dump their waste in these green areas which also causes foul smell," says Reeta Verma, a resident of Sector 12. She further adds, "You can see one or two tree but almost the whole passage of green area has been converted into debris dumping zone. Not only this, but also tea vendors and small road side eateries have encroached the space.”

According to local residents, earlier, there were plants which could be seen at one corner of Sector 4 market. However, with time, negligence of DDA and the practice of dumping of garbage by the market people, all the plants have gone dry. Vijay Sharma, a resident of Sector 5 says, “Dumping waste has now become a trend here. This needs to be looked into by the authorities.”

While talking about the issue, a DDA official said that they'll take initiative to make the green area free from encroachment and green again.