Akin to its neighbouring constituencies, Krishna Nagar too has the same set of issues revolving around it that ranges from lack of parking space to poor quality of water. With scores of commercial outlets mushrooming in the area, what once used to be an affordable housing destination across the River Yamuna has now transformed into a shabby mesh of domestic and business activities. Despite being geographically smaller than other Trans-Yamuna constituencies, like Gandhi Nagar and Vishwas Nagar, Krishna Nagar in East Delhi still has the highest number of voters after Okhla.
With very little balance between dense population and development in terms of civic amenities, there are innumerous problems that the locals face on a daily basis. Inadequate parking slots and congestion are primary issues that have irked most residents.
“A parking lot, accommodating nearly 400 cars, was to be made here. The concerned authorities had even cut the ribbon at the site to flag off the project. But, there hasn’t been any work on that ever since,” said Bharat Bhushan, a shopowner in lal Quarter Market. Sarla Devi, a resident of Chander Nagar complained, “The roads are so narrow. Everything — from cars, rickshaws, tempos to trucks — moves around causing such terrible jams. Most of the time, police is called to ease the situation.”
With several incidents of chain snatching and other thefts, residents feel highly insecure living here. “During summer, reports of chain snatching reach its peak and this has remained so for years. This happened with my friend, who was on her way to buy fruits from a nearby outlet when two boys on a bike snatched the chain from her neck,” added Devi. People are, however, satisfied with the drainage system, which they said was changed recently. Many complained of foul-smelling and contaminated water supply as well.
The grievances of the locals have only made a shallow dent on its four-time MlA Dr Harsh Vardhan’s chances of being re-elected for the record fifth time. This is mostly because he has been declared as BJP’s chief ministerial candidate, explained Shiv Shankar, a lawyer residing in Geeta Colony.
But, with the Congress declaring Dr VK Monga as its candidate from the area, the equation is likely to get disturbed as many sections find him appealing as well. The Aam Aadmi Party, after much deliberations declared Ishrat Ali Ansari, a Supreme Court lawyer, as its candidate. The area is mostly dominated by Brahmins and Punjabis. Muslims come next, who mostly reside in areas like Khureji Khas and Rashid Market.