RWAs upset by govt bringing bill to stop sealing/demolition drive

New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) Resident Welfare Associations have criticised the bill introduced in Parliament by the Centre to stop the sealing/demolition drive against unauthorised and illegal construction across the city, saying it meant to circuvent the Supreme Court order on the issue.

The introduction and passing of the bill to stop the sealings and demolitions in the national capital by the union Urban Development Ministry at the behest of the state government was seen by most residents as a sinister campaign to defeat the directions of the apex court, United Residents Joint Action Convenor Promod Chawla said in a statement.

RWAs that had initiated the action against unbridled commericalisation in residential areas and those that had fought against illegal constructions were feeling let down by the very administration they thought would support them, he said.

''The smiling face of the CM along with Delhi MPs after they came out of the meeting with PM to press for a stop to the sealings and demolitions, will remain etched in the minds of all Delhi RWAs as the ultimate stab in their back,'' he added.

URJA's East Delhi Coordinator Rajesh Dokwal said ''on behalf of RWAs of East Delhi who are bearing the brunt of commercialisation of their areas, I have no hesitation is saying that the MP of this area has worked against every law abiding citizen of this city and this zone.

''The RWAs of East Delhi are regretting the support they gave this government in the last elections,'' he added.

South Delhi RWAs were the most upset with the decision of the Government.

Mr Sandeep Dutta Gupta from Chittranjan Park expressed his anguish over the actions of the Delhi government saying ''The charade of Bhagidari is over. The truth of this scheme is now exposed for all to see. At no point during this crisis did the CM ever take the side of the RWAs.'' GK-I RWA and Defence Colony RWAs were also astounded at the manner in which the CM batted for the traders.

RWA Federation of Rohini demanded a probe into the Bhagidari scheme to understand what the purpose of the entire exercise -- if the interests of residents and RWA were to be accommodated at all.

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