Crime Correspondent
New Delhi:
A fresh instance of administrative apathy and negligence in discharging official responsibilities has come to light in Jwala Hedi village of Paschim Vihar Ward, Delhi. Here, cattle have been illegally tethered for over two and a half years at a public chaupal located within the Lal Dora area, and no effective action has been taken to remove them. Despite repeated complaints and sustained efforts by villagers and complainants, the chaupal has neither been freed from encroachment nor have the concerned officials shown any seriousness in performing their duties.
What is particularly alarming is that the concerned Veterinary Officer and MTI officials have not only failed to take action but have also allegedly attempted to mislead the complainant by providing false and misleading information under the Right to Information Act.
According to the complainant and RWA General Secretary, Devendra Kumar, he has been continuously submitting complaints since July 2023, clearly demanding the removal of illegally tethered cattle from the public chaupal so that the space may be restored for its intended community use. However, despite the prolonged pendency of the matter, neither the Revenue Department—particularly the Deputy Commissioner (West District)—nor the Veterinary Department has ensured action in accordance with rules. The situation is such that the complainant was informed through RTI replies that action had already been taken, whereas the ground reality is completely contrary.
Local residents allege that the Veterinary Department and the MTI team limited themselves to mere paperwork and token visits, without actually removing the cattle or clearing the chaupal in an orderly manner. Official records clearly show the chaupal as a public property meant for community use, yet private interests continue to be promoted and the illegal occupation remains unchecked. Villagers have questioned whether such prolonged inaction points towards departmental collusion, as no real action has been taken even after more than two years.
The matter becomes even more serious in light of the response given by the Veterinary Officer, claiming that action had been taken by the MCD’s Keshav Puram Zone veterinary team. However, the present condition of the chaupal clearly indicates that neither have the cattle been removed nor has the illegal occupation ended. This strongly suggests that officials are attempting to evade responsibility by furnishing false information, which amounts to a clear violation of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act as well as service conduct rules. The complainant has stated that providing false information under RTI is a serious offence and warrants strict punitive action against the officials concerned.
Villagers and RTI activists have demanded that the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), West District, take immediate cognisance of the matter, conduct a site inspection of the chaupal, ensure removal of the illegal encroachment, and initiate strict departmental action against the Veterinary Officer and MTI officials involved in providing false information. Residents of Jwala Hedi assert that if even a public chaupal cannot be protected from illegal occupation, it raises serious questions about the safety, protection and utility of other government properties in rural areas of the capital.
