Kirari inhabitants are still concerned about waterlogging and inadequate public services

Kirari, near Northwest Delhi, has a questionable reputation for experiencing frequent flooding during the monsoon season. The situation has not much improved over the years, despite repeated assurances from the government to address the problem.

Kirari was formerly a hamlet established by the Jat monarchs of the state of Bharatpur, but starting in the 1990s, waves of immigrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar moved there. Rainwater seepage in the region was impacted by land encroachments brought about by the consequent rise in population density. Because of this, during the monsoon season, the low-lying parts in the area are often submerged under water for many months. Additionally, sewage stagnates on the roadways due to a malfunctioning sewage system.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal dedicated a Rs 480 crore sewer project at Kirari in March 2021, including the installation of 423 km of sewer lines. When the four-year project is over, the locals will probably get some much-needed respite.

But for the time being, things are still dire. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed amazement and distress at the “hellish conditions” locals were forced to live in during a recent visit to Kirari. According to Raj Niwas personnel, Saxena was “visibly pissed” at the area’s potholed, dusty roads, open manholes, overflowing sewers, and piles of trash.

With 2.93 lakh voters, the Kirari sector is one of the biggest in Delhi. Both the BJP and the AAP have won the seat twice each since its founding in 2008. Even though he won the seat handily in 2015, BJP veteran Anil Jha presented fierce fight for incumbent MLA Rituraj Govind in 2020. While the Congress has nominated Udit Raj, a former BJP MP, the BJP has replaced Hans Raj with former North Delhi Mayor Yogendra Chandolia.