New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today rued that issues like pollution, rapes and filth have maligned the national capital's image which he said was a loss not just for the people of Delhi but of the country as well.
“As Delhi is the capital of the country, it should develop accordingly. At times Delhi's picture is not like what it should be. Sometimes a report says that Delhi is the most polluted city in the world, and sometimes the issue of law and order, rape comes up... the issue of dirtiness and filth also comes up,” Rijiju said.
“A number of issues come up which malign Delhi's image. It is not just a loss for the people of Delhi but also of the country as it's the capital,” he said while addressing a gathering at Sivaji Place Complex at Raja Garden in west Delhi where he laid the foundation stone of the new office of Deputy Commissioner (West).
“When I saw the model of the building, I was happy that all the 21st century technology has been included in it and I hope that work will be done as per the plan and most importantly, in a time bound manner and with good quality,” the minister said.
Rijiju also said that although the national capital was developing, the progress was not at a speed that it should be.
“A presentation was made in the Home Ministry a month ago where LG Najeeb Jung and other senior officials were present along with me and the senior minister Rajnath Singh. During the meeting, it was observed that although development is taking place in Delhi, it is not taking place at the speed at which it should take place,” he said.
He said that it was of utmost importance to complete projects within the stipulated time as it will save money and manpower both. He also appealed the people to take active participation in the Swachh Bharat Mission by ensuring cleanliness in and around their localities.
Principal Secretary (PWD) Arun Baroka said that the construction work of the new office building will soon be started and will be completed well within the stipulated time period of 21 months.
The six-storey building building will be constructed at the cost of Rs 27.32 crore in a total area of 5,385 square metre with ground coverage of 897 square metre.
The open green area shall be 1,578 square metre. The building will be fully air-conditioned except passage, staircase, toilets and stores.
The building will have public dealing single window hall, conference hall, DDC chairman office, disaster management centre etc., apart from having adequate parking with two basement parkings, underground and overhead tanks and rain water harvesting system.
Deputy Commissioner (West) C R Garg said the office has been functioning from an old school building since 1997, which is very inconvenient to the public.
