South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has developed theme based beautification at spaces underneath flyovers at 12 different locations identified for improvement after directions of lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal.
A senior official of the SDMC said that all the flyovers had a different theme to depict such as ‘Make in India’, Yoga, meditation, wildlife, Children Park and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
“A details drawing for this purpose incorporating the features were prepared. The respective departments undertook the development works pertaining to them. The entire work was undertaken under a mission mode to get rid of an atmosphere of filth leading to an unhealthy ambience and anti-social elements including drug addicts. The spaces are now being used in evening by the localities for a walk and spending their quality time,” he said.
“A major challenge was the eviction of unauthorised occupants who had made the areas filthy by urinating and defecating in open, removal of the parked vehicles and other encroachments. “After the eviction of the unauthorized occupants, the actual execution of works was taken up at a fast pace. All the works have been completed in a period of 30-40 days,” he said.
He further said that the civic body after a detailed joint survey by the officers of engineering and horticulture departments has decided to construct a boundary wall along with the grill, develop pathways, planting modern type of grass, shrubs, fixing of sculptures, installing comfortable benches and attractive entry points.
The flyovers where the spaces underneath have been transformed are lajpat Nagar (Ring Road), South Extension, Savitri Flyover (Outer Ring Road), Africa Avenue (Outer Ring Road), Sarai Kale Khan Flyover, Nehru Place, Kalkaji (Opposite Kalkaji Mandir), Bijwasan, Palam, Tilak Nagar, Mayapuri and Raja Garden Flyover. The most of these flyovers belong to the ‘Public Works Department’.