Vasant Kunj Flyover Stretch Turns into Eyesore Amid Shocking Negligence

THE stretch of road connecting Andheria More, the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), and Mahipalpur via the Vasant Kunj flyover has turned into an unpleasant sight — and a public health concern. What was meant to be one of South Delhi’s cleaner and well-maintained roads now stands as an example of civic neglect and indifference.

Just beside this busy road, especially between Sarvodaya Senior Secondary School (B-Block, Vasant Kunj) and Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (C-Block, Vasant Kunj), the roadside area looks more like a dumping yard than a public space. The once-green verge is now littered with household waste and broken objects.

The iron fencing along this stretch, which was installed to prevent encroachment and dumping, is now damaged in several parts — open gaps allow anyone to throw waste freely. From wooden beds, chairs, mattresses, commodes, and broken cupboards to heaps of plastic and old clothes, the area is filled with filth. Disturbingly, even religious idols, photo frames, and coloured festival garments lie dumped beneath small trees near the service road. What could once have been a green stretch is now covered in rotting waste.

The condition of the road and footpath is equally worrying. Stones of the pavement have worn out, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk safely. Some parts are uneven, while others are covered in heaps of dry leaves, dust, and rubbish that have not been swept for weeks. To make matters worse, a few electric wires hang loosely from trees — a clear hazard for anyone passing by.

Adding to the irony, this unsightly dumping site lies right across from residential apartments, the Monday market, and the well-known Vasant Valley School. The contrast between the modern buildings and the filthy roadside is shocking. Such a scene, located so close to prominent institutions and schools, gives a terrible impression to passersby and visitors.

This stretch is not an isolated lane but an important connector linking major routes and hospitals — ILBS and ISIC, both of which serve patients from across India. Thousands of vehicles pass through this road daily, including ambulances carrying critical patients. For such a vital public road to remain in such unhygienic condition is both shameful and unacceptable.

Local residents and commuters have often raised concerns, but their voices seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The lack of timely cleaning, poor maintenance of the fencing, and the absence of waste management reflect clear negligence by the responsible civic body. As winter draws near, the piles of waste are likely to release foul smells, attract stray animals, and pose health risks by polluting the air.

Cleanliness is not just a matter of appearance; it is essential for public health and community dignity. A city that hosts major hospitals and schools should not allow its roadsides to become dumping grounds. Authorities must act urgently — repair the fencing, clear the garbage, sweep the roads regularly, and enforce penalties for illegal dumping.

Delhi deserves better. The residents of Vasant Kunj deserve a safe, clean, and healthy environment. It is time the concerned departments stop turning a blind eye and take real action on the ground. Empty promises and campaigns are not enough — cleanliness must be a continuous duty, not a seasonal photo opportunity.

Until the civic authorities wake up, the road beside the Vasant Kunj flyover will continue to stand as a symbol of the city’s decaying sense of responsibility and care.

PHOTO SPEAKS