New Delhi, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : Omresh Sehgal, the former Chief Secretary of Delhi, has expressed grave concerns regarding the city’s escalating population, unauthorized construction, and the lack of effective enforcement of regulations. He emphasized that attributing Delhi’s current issues solely to corruption or the negligence of a single department is misguided. The root causes lie in the city’s carrying capacity, rapidly increasing population, housing shortages, and weak enforcement.
Sehgal noted that Delhi continues to attract a large influx of people, particularly students seeking admission to Delhi University. For many, finding affordable housing poses a significant challenge. Despite their hard work to gain university placements, the high cost of living in Delhi forces students into less desirable accommodations like budget guesthouses or shared housing.
While serving on the NCR Planning Board, Sehgal assessed Delhi’s carrying capacity, which was estimated at around 1.75 crore. However, the current population has exceeded this figure. Continued growth will exacerbate the strain on existing infrastructure. He pointed out that while buildings once limited to two or three stories are now being constructed up to eight stories, the necessary infrastructure—such as roads, parking, and water supply—has not kept pace.
Sehgal raised concerns about the lack of oversight regarding unauthorized construction, even with agencies like the police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in place. He argued that dismissing incidents solely as a result of corruption is insufficient. Relevant authorities should be promptly informed of any violations, and appropriate action should follow.
When questioned about accountability for officials following incidents, Sehgal viewed the suspension of senior officials as a positive step. This sends a message that merely being present in the office is not enough; officials must actively ensure that their subordinates are performing their duties effectively. Although he does not take personal satisfaction from such actions, he believes it is a necessary signal for the city’s governance. Establishing accountability at higher levels for future violations could significantly impact administrative efficiency.
Sehgal also raised the issue of mass sealing of unauthorized buildings, which could leave thousands homeless. Therefore, he stressed the importance of providing alternative housing solutions alongside enforcement actions. He called for the development of affordable and safe residential facilities for students in Delhi, who come from all over the country. Many students cannot afford to rent in a city where high costs often push them towards risky living situations.
He pointed out that existing laws and licensing systems for guesthouses and paying guest accommodations are already in place. Instead of creating new regulations, there is a pressing need to enforce the current ones rigorously. Regular inspections of guesthouses and PG accommodations that cater to students should be implemented.
Regarding the alleged delays of the fire brigade, Sehgal expressed discomfort with the police’s slow response time, given the city’s emergency response systems. He acknowledged that narrow streets can complicate access for large fire trucks. He suggested that street obstructions, such as parked vehicles and shop displays, hinder emergency services. To address minor issues more efficiently, he proposed empowering Resident Welfare Associations to issue fines and citations, reducing reliance on government agencies for every small problem.
Sehgal concluded by stating that Delhi does not lack laws; rather, the challenge lies in their effective implementation. He highlighted issues such as traffic congestion, parking shortages, and encroachments on sidewalks, all exacerbated by the growing population. He stressed that the problems facing Delhi are interconnected and require collective responsibility from the government, local bodies, and citizens. Simply enacting laws is not enough; timely and strict enforcement is essential for real solutions.
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