Chandni Chowk Heritage Corridor Returns to Neglect as Cleaning Agency Stops Work Over Funding Issues
In a disheartening development for Delhi's historic heart, the meticulously redeveloped 1.3-kilometer Chandni Chowk stretch facing the iconic Red Fort has once again descended into civic neglect. This regression comes barely a month after an intensive cleaning and maintenance drive was completed, highlighting persistent challenges in sustaining the area's aesthetic and sanitary standards.
Specialized Cleaning Initiative Grinds to a Halt
The Public Works Department (PWD) had engaged a specialized agency in mid-November 2025 to undertake deep cleaning of the common corridor, granite flooring, and bollards, alongside regular waste collection. This initiative was part of a broader effort to maintain the visual appeal and hygiene of this heritage corridor, which underwent significant redevelopment. However, the agency's work came to an abrupt stop after December 15, leaving the area vulnerable to accumulating dust and debris.
Funding Assurances and Administrative Delays
According to PWD officials, the agency was hired based on assurances of funding from the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC). "In the absence of a formal financial sanction even after a month, we had to discontinue the arrangement," explained a PWD official, who added that SRDC is reportedly working on a proposal to address the funding gap.
Contrasting this view, a senior SRDC official asserted that clear directives were given to PWD to continue the deep cleaning operations. "There is no ambiguity in the sanctioning of funds," the official stated, attributing delays to the pending appointment of the SRDC chairman. The official emphasized that once this process is finalized, a proposal will be presented to the board, which holds the authority to grant financial approvals for such projects.
Event-Driven Maintenance and Subsequent Lapse
The decision to engage the cleaning agency was made during an SRDC meeting in October 2025, following directions from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Sanjeev Bhargava, president of the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapaar Mandal, noted that the process was expedited in anticipation of two significant events: the Shaheedi Samagam in November and a UNESCO program in December. "Once the work stopped, the area began accumulating dust again," Bhargava lamented, underscoring the temporary nature of the improvements.
Municipal Efforts and Public Dissatisfaction
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has claimed to intensify cleaning efforts, including regular sweeping and waste removal. Local councillor Suman Gupta affirmed that sanitation work is conducted routinely, with sweeping done twice daily and rubbish lifted regularly. "All bins are cleaned every day," Gupta maintained, while acknowledging the lack of specialized equipment for cleaning stonework and bollards. She mentioned that procurement of such equipment would be explored if deemed necessary.
Despite these assurances, residents and traders have voiced strong dissatisfaction, alleging that the area is rapidly reverting to its pre-November state of neglect. A recent inspection revealed several issues:
- Encroachments on pavements obstructing thoroughfares
- Scattered rubbish packets and paan stains at multiple locations
- Dust accumulation on red sandstone due to insufficient sweeping cycles
- Litter visible on central verges and pathways
- Public toilets in an unusable condition
Bhargava pointed out, "The red sandstone has begun accumulating dust due to the absence of multiple sweeping cycles. Rubbish is visible on central verges and pathways, and public toilets are in an unusable condition." He also mentioned that some corrective measures might be underway at the Chief Minister's office.
Encroachment Challenges and Future Plans
Councillor Suman Gupta attributed persistent littering to widespread encroachment on pavements. Elected just two months ago, she highlighted ongoing anti-encroachment drives starting from Old Delhi station and Mori Gate, with plans to extend these efforts to Chandni Chowk soon. "This area will be covered soon," she assured, indicating a multi-pronged approach to address both sanitation and structural issues.
The situation at Chandni Chowk underscores a recurring dilemma in urban heritage management: the gap between short-term beautification projects and sustainable long-term maintenance. As stakeholders navigate funding delays and administrative hurdles, the historic stretch's condition remains a barometer of Delhi's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while ensuring civic functionality.
