Garbage mess: Delhi stinks as AAP government & Centre spar over MCD funds

NEW DELHI: Adding to its list of woes, Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government found itself in the midst of an unprecedented 'garbage crisis' in Delhi. A strike by sanitation workers has turned east Delhi into a huge garbage dump over the past 10 days, posing a serious threat to people's health.

About 15,000 tonnes of waste has been dumped by the roadside and in residential areas and 12,000 sanitation workers are refusing to work unless their salaries are paid.

High Court issues notice

The High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre, Delhi government and East MCD on pleas seeking removal of garbage and payment of salaries to the civic body staff. The court directed Delhi government to release by June 15 the salary dues of East MCD employees.

Watch: Pay dues of East Delhi MCD employees by June 2015: Delhi HC to govt



The court observed that the garbage issue in East Delhi has reached alarming proportions and directed Delhi Police and East MCD to hold a meeting for ensuring its removal.

LG Najeeb Jung assures resolution of crisis

Meanwhile, Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung assured early resolution of Delhi's garbage crisis. Jung met three mayors and commissioners of municipal corporations and informed them that the government of Delhi will release Rs 493 crore to pay salaries of striking sanitation workers.

He appealed to the Mayors to persuade employees to call off the strike in the interest of the citizens of Delhi.

Amid worsening garbage crisis in East Delhi due to agitation by sanitation workers since June 2, mayors of three BJP-ruled municipal bodies called on Jung and requested his intervention after which he said Delhi government has already decided to release the funds.

Rahul Gandhi steps in

Slamming both Delhi government and the Centre, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi accused AAP and BJP of making excuses. "Delhi Government says it's the responsibility of Govt of India, & Govt of India says its Delhi Govt's problem! Both are making excuses," Rahul tweeted.

बहानों से कुछ नहीं होगा। आप का काम तभी होगा जब सरकार को आप अपनी शक्ति दिखायेंगे: राहुल गांधी pic.twitter.com/437duuohLI

— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 12, 2015

Extending support to agitating sanitation workers in the city, Rahul attacked the Centre and Delhi Government, accusing them of making only tall promises and shirking responsibility when it comes to delivery.

Delhi Govt says its the responsibility of Govt of India, &Govt of India says its Delhi Govt’s problem!Both are making excuses:Rahul Gandhi

— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 12, 2015

Assuring the workers that they were now his "responsibility", Rahul interacted with the striking 'safai karamcharis' of East Delhi Municipal Corporation at Patparganj, where its office is located, and said he was ready to join their dharna.

MCD Safai Karamcharis have been striking to protest against the non payment of salaries pic.twitter.com/zcDF3k5LYP

— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 12, 2015

Kejriwal versus BJP

Arvind Kejriwal had announced on Monday that his government will release Rs 493 crore to clear pending salaries of sanitation workers, doctors and teachers of two municipal corporations for April and May.

Kejriwal recently lambasted the Centre over fund allocation, accusing it of "sucking the blood" of the residents of the national capital. "I want to tell you (sanitation workers) that I get hurt when you stage protest outside my residence despite knowing the fact that there is BJP in the municipal corporations. They should stage protest outside BJP headquarters, Centre and Union Ministers," he had said earlier this week.

On its part, Delhi BJP has alleged that Kejriwal "provoked" employees of municipal corporations. State BJP chief Satish Upadhyay also alleged that Kejriwal was "evading" his responsibilities on the issue of payment of salaries to civic bodies employees.

"The CM's statement shows his anarchism and he is evading responsibility of Delhi government," he has said.

The problem

The workers are on a strike since June 2 to protest against non-payment salary dues, leading to piling of garbage on streets, which is causing inconvenience to residents.

Both North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) are cash-strapped, unable to pay salaries of many employees. A section of the striking sanitation workers have lately been protesting against the AAP dispensation after the corporations held Kejriwal government "responsible" for their financial woes.

Kejriwal had announced that his government will release pending salaries of sanitation workers, doctors and teachers of two municipal corporations for April and May.

Health hazard

But doctors and public health officials are warning that Delhi could be hit by an epidemic if there is more delay in tackling the situation. Doctors say the decaying household waste items, containing mostly solid waste like half-eaten vegetables and meat products, may give rise to bacterial illnesses such as typhoid and jaundice that spread through contaminated food and water.