MCD Election 2017: Parties have used Delhi's Sangam Vihar but have all failed to tackle its problems

Sangam Vihar, considered the largest unorganised colony with adjoining slums in Asia, has been used by various political parties and their candidates as a launch pad over the years. [caption id=“attachment_3400058” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  The backyard of Sangam Vihar: Filth, garbage, dirty nullahs — a perfect breeding ground for vector-borne diseases. Image courtesy: Debobrat Ghose[/caption] The latest to use this area was Aam Aadmi Party’s Prakash Jarwal, who became an MLA after defeating the incumbent, Congress’ Arvinder Singh Lovely, in 2015. Lovely recently defected to join BJP. [caption id=“attachment_3400070” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  The Baba Ambedkar Park is the only place where children play in Sangam Vihar. But also one where people go to consume liquor and gamble. Also a safe haven for drug addicts. Image courtesy: Debobrat Ghose[/caption] Sangam Vihar has a sea of problems. To reach the area, you have to pass through the posh and super elite Sainik Farm — where bungalows start from Rs 5 crore, and super luxurious cars are always parked outside.Once you reach Sangam Vihar, you find roads with boulders and potholes, with sewage water flowing across it. The unbearable stench of overflowing drains, with flies and mosquitoes swarming all over welcome you. [caption id=“attachment_3400074” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  By the side of the road, from where one enters Sangam Vihar: The picture speaks volumes about the inhuman condition of living. Image courtesy: Debobrat Ghose[/caption] The apathy of the civic body and the Delhi state government is evident everywhere. The area lacks all forms of basic necessities. The biggest issue water. Despite the state government providing 20,000 litres of free water to each household in Delhi, the residents of this area have to buy water once every week; there is no free water for them. Even sanitary workers never visit this area. There is no Mohalla clinic in this large resettlement colony, while MCD-run schools are in a deplorable state. “Every party gives tickets to candidates from outside. There is never anybody from this area. No development ever takes place. After winning, no leader ever visits us,” quipped Jiwanti Bisht a housewife from Sangam Vihar Gali No 13. Residents have even questioned why should they cast their votes? “Kuch hona to hai nahi, koi kuch nahi karenge (why should we vote? Nothing is going to change),” said a local resident.