The Delhi Government, which has spent Rs 1100 crore on advertisements in last three years, has drawn harsh criticism as city grapples with crumbling infrastructure.
Supreme Court’s latest remarks questioning the skewed priorities of the Delhi government have shed light on the mismanagement of funds and raised concerns over the condition of roads, garbage disposal, and infrastructure development in the national capital.
Despite presenting substantial budgets year after year, the condition of Delhi's infrastructure remains a cause for concern.
The Delhi Government allocated Rs 65,000 crore in 2020-21; Rs 69,000 crore in 2021-22; and a staggering Rs 75,800 crore for 2022-23.
However, a portion of this budget was wasted on advertisements, constituting approximately 1.41% of the latest budget.
The recent monsoon rains further exacerbated the problem, with the city turning into a virtual waterlogged maze. Commuters faced severe hardships as they navigated through flooded streets, highlighting the lack of proper drainage and maintenance systems.
The residents living near the Yamuna river were hit particularly hard during the monsoons, with many forced to seek refuge in relief camps.
Also the city is facing a garbage crisis as the garbage is remains scattered on the roads. The sight of garbage strewn across public spaces not only poses health hazards but also reflects poorly on the city’s cleanliness standards.
The recent comments by the Supreme Court have brought the issue of financial mismanagement to the forefront.
“If Rs 1100 crores can be spent on advertisements in the last three years, certainly, contributions can be made for infrastructure projects,” remarked a bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia of the Supreme Court.
The apex court directed the Delhi government to expedite the payment of around Rs 415 crore for the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project, signaling the urgent need to address pressing infrastructure needs.
The top court recorded that the overdue amount will be paid within two months.
The citizens of Delhi are eagerly awaiting visible improvements in the condition of roads, garbage disposal, and overall infrastructure.
Govt likely to introduce new income tax bill on Feb 6
After the revision in tax slabs in the Union Budget 2025-26 to leave 'enough money in the hands' of taxpayers, the government is likely to unveil the much-anticipated draft of the new Income Tax Bill on February 6.
10 TN fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy; mechanised boat seized
Ten fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of Monday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Maha Kumbh: Spiritual leaders, devotees celebrate Basant Panchami with Amrit Snan
On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj for the much-awaited Amrit Snan (holy bath), marking a significant spiritual milestone.
Delhi Assembly polls: Campaigning to end today; parties make final push
The high-voltage campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections will come to an end at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, with all three major political parties, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, making their final efforts to woo voters.
Erode east bypoll: Campaign ends today, DMK confident of huge win
With the election campaign for the Erode East bypoll ending on Monday, the ruling DMK, which has taken over the seat from its coalition partner Congress, is confident of a massive victory.
Delhi’s air quality remains in ‘very poor’ category, IMD predicts cloudy weather
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 313 on Monday at 6 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Ayodhya Ram Mandir chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das hospitalised
The Chief priest of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Acharya Satyendra Das, has been hospitalised following a sudden deterioration in health, sources said on Sunday. It has been learned that his condition is serious as he has been experiencing difficulty in breathing.
Eight Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur
Chhattisgarh Police on Sunday said that eight Maoists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, were senior cadres carried a cumulative reward of Rs 16 lakh.