Bharat Dogra meets construction workers who despair of getting even rudimentary requirements such as water supply and welfare funds. The people here are in immense distress, and the government needs to approach their problems in a more helpful and sympathetic way, he says
Some 35 years ago, the homes of thousands of hut-dwellers living in prosperous parts of Delhi, such as Bhikaji Cama Place and Alaknanda, were demolished, and they were shifted miles away to the city’s outskirts. This created a crisis, as the people’s livelihoods were integrated with the areas where they had lived for several years. However, gradually, they started adjusting to their new surroundings and banked on promises made at the time of shifting, that essential facilities would be provided at the resettlement colony, Rohini Sector 20.
However, the residents are yet to receive even drinking water in their homes. After several years of efforts, a new pipeline was installed, but it was inadequate to meet the needs of the colony and the water provided was also of poor quality. Hence, people remain by and large dependent on water tankers sent by the government. Even for this, there is a daily struggle, and fights frequently break out among the residents for the insufficient quantity available.
Other important amenities such as healthcare facilities/dispensary and garbage disposal remain poor. A significant minority of households still do not have ration cards. An even bigger concern is that the people’s expectations of various welfare benefits have not been realised.
Gulab, an elderly woman, says “I have toiled all my life as a construction worker. I was injured several times but did not get any compensation. Don’t you think that after all this, I deserve a pension?” Other elderly women sitting around her nod their agreement. They relate that they used to do jobs on big building sites that have since been mechanised because they are considered dangerous. “Where did that get us?” they ask. “In our old age, we have no support. We don’t even know the status of our applications for pension.”
Rajesh, a mason, says, “My health has deteriorated badly and I have fallen ill several times during the recent heat wave. However, I kept going to work, as essential needs have to be met. I’ll be grateful if someone can help me understand the help to which I am entitled for my daughter’s wedding.” For two years he has been trying to get welfare funds for his daughter’s marriage, but in vain.
Jabbar Singh, a community leader who has been active on several fronts, including following up for satisfactory water supply, says “People here have to live with so many disappointments these days. Hope is diminishing fast.” He continues, “Despite all the problems people faced after the demolition of their homes in 1989, they worked hard to improve their housing and livelihood. However, the increasingly unhelpful attitude of the authorities in resolving their many pressing problems has left them in despair. This should not be.”
Clearly, the people here are in immense distress, and the government needs to approach their problems in a more helpful and sympathetic way.
(The writer is a senior freelance journalist and author who has been associated with several social movements and initiatives. He lives in Delhi.)
from Webdoux