‘Is it so hard to change Delhi?’: NGO founder fumes over interference in viral video; CM Rekha Gupta answers | Today’s news
A viral video of NGO Vrikshit Foundation founder Shankar Singh expressing frustration over alleged encroachments and the presence of homeless people near the Deepali Chowk flyover project drew a response from Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who praised his civic efforts and assured the government’s support to address the issue.
In the video, Singh claimed that repeated attempts to clear the area and facilitate the construction of the 2.5 km flyover were hampered by people living along the stretch. Asked if Delhi can really change, he claimed that efforts to clean up the place have met resistance despite several clean-up drives in the last two months.
“Now I don’t have a single sympathy and empathy for them. Right now I am standing on the Deepali Chowk flyover. We have been converting this area into a 2.5 km long flyover for the last 2 months. We have had this same area cleaned at least 5 times. And every time we ask them to remove this area and let us clean it,” said Sring shamelessly.
“They are telling their children to jump in. They are forcing their children to write signs. You must be ashamed to hear this, but they are doing this. Go to these women and tell them to clear this area. Then they will throw shade at us. They will threaten us with rape charges. Will Delhi ever change like this? We have been worried for the last 2 months. It doesn’t matter who we talk to, the police say, that it’s not our job.”
Singh concluded, “They say it is not our job. Is it so difficult to change Delhi? It is very difficult to change Delhi, I am telling the truth. We asked these people with folded arms and legs.”
The founder of the NGO said the encroachers continued to occupy the area despite repeated warnings and requests to vacate the area. He added that those occupying the site were not only asked to relocate, but were also offered the opportunity to work alongside the team and participate in the transformation project, an offer that was ultimately rejected.
Singh said it was “surprising” that a government shelter was only 200 meters away, but many people continued to stay at the site. He emphasized that it is not about the removal of people, but about the recultivation and restoration of public space intended for use by all citizens.
Rekha Gupta reacts
Rekha Gupta thanked Singh for his efforts to make the national capital cleaner.
“Your efforts to keep Delhi clean are highly appreciated. Citizens like you are making a real difference. We have noted the issue and will coordinate with the concerned departments to resolve it as soon as possible. The Delhi government stands by you and will provide all possible support. Thank you for contributing to a cleaner Delhi,” Gupta responded to the video.
Netizens react
The video has over 2.8 million views.
One of the users told Singh, “Bro ye MLA and CM ka kya post rahega wo bhi update de dena kuch dino baad.” Another commented: “Don’t lose hope we are with you.” “Actually, these people are actively living under these flyovers and people donate clothes and food to them, so they don’t want to vacate the place,” a third user commented.
