New Traffic Lights in Dwarka installed without thought

Please look at positioning of traffic light installed at sector-6 intrasection near Kaveri Apartments. Traffic light pole has been mounted just behind elecricity pole blocking half the light. One has to crane his/her neck out to view correct status of traffic light. Such confusion may lead to accidents.

In Dwarka Sub City, sectors are typically of size 900mx900m. Almost all sectors are divided mid-way through a intrasector road, thereby placing all road intersections 450m apart. Traffic lights were initially installed at each intersector boundary. Now these newly installed traffic lights at intrasector junctions means 3 traffic lights within 900m distance. If this is not over-regulation, then what is.

Burden of such over-regulation can be reduced by insisting on synchronising traffic lights on adjacent intersections on identified main roads. Traffic Police should promote latest state-of-the-Art traffic controllers supporting synchonised road corridors, rather than continuing with obsolete equipment which hinders smooth traffic flow. Else Dwarka advantage of smooth wide roads would get nullified by forcing commuters to stop every 450m.

DDA's Apathy & Inaction. Danger to Life & Property

Please look at the photographs above. These are the result of DDA's Apathy & Inactiontowards resident's woes. In April 2010, entire DDA officialdom in Dwarka was informed of danger of likely loss of property or life of residents in SFS pocket-1 of sector-10 in Dwarka due to falling grit-wash wall slabs. They were reminded again in different meetings with residents and through letters with photographs in next 3 months. DDA was especially requested to remove precariously hanging slabs first to minimize danger of loss of life & property before approaching monsoon. Re-building could have been attempted after completing required tender formalities.

Monsoon rains during last 2 days turned out to be last straw. Result was falling of almost 2 feet by 3 feet grit wash slab over a new Maruti car resulting in 2 feet long hole and severe denting of entire roof. Just imagine, what would have happened if same slab would have fallen on a resident?

Who is responsible for this loss? Would DDA official concerned foot the repair bill? At least, DDA should wake up now and remove remaining dangerous slabs in our pocket and elsewhere in Dwarka Sub City.

Unusual Water Harvesting

Government organisations are generally criticized for lethargic, stereotyped & unimaginative style of working. But, sometimes one is taken aback by innovation employed.

Look at the picture above. This scene is witnessed twice a week near Fakhruddin Society on sector-10 service lane in Dwarka Sub City. A diesel generator on cart is seen pumping out something from storm water drain running along road. On closer scrutiny, it is found that the water is being pumped to another pipeline. That pipeline is carrying water to sector-10 park near Gokul Dham.

This is surely unusual way of water harvesting. DDA is recycling drain water ( NOT sewer water ) for gardening of plants, shrubs & lawn of sector-10 DDA park.

DDA brass needs to be applauded for such innovative water harvesting.

Three Wheeler Vehicles on Road

Every traffic commuter on Delhi roads would have encountered stubborn 3-wheeler plying right in the middle of road at its usual slow speed, even if traffic at that time is thin on that road. Every other vehicle, without option, would have to overtake it. Effect of that overtaking ripples through to adjoining lanes thereby disturbing entire traffic flow.

I feel, this habit of 3-wheeler plying in the middle has been formed due to the fact that left lane has been reserved for buses.

Ideally, left lane should be kept reserved for the movements of slower vehicles like 3-wheelers. I would strongly suggest to keep left most lane reserved for 3-wheelers ( and 2-wheelers also for their safety). All 4-wheelers including buses would use central lane. Right lane, if existing, can be used for overtaking or sharing of traffic load.

This measure is expected to reduce significantly the chaotic conditions on our roads & hopefully improve average commuting speed of all categories of vehicles. This would also help reduce accidents & their severity involving 2 & 3-wheeler vehicles.

Dangerous DDA Pockets

Dwarka Sub City project is jewel in the crown of Delhi Development Authority for its concept and execution. Vigil & perpetual maintenance is the key to maintain its glory.

Unfortunately, slippages have started showing. Outer grit-wash walls in DDA SFS Flats pocket-1 in sector-10 have started falling on its own. Falling debris has already damaged windscreens of couple of cars. God-forbid, if a good chunk of grit-wash wall falls on an unsuspecting child, lady or a person, he / she would get seriously injured.

Such instances of falling grit-wash have already been noticed in block 58, block 59, block 7, block 75, etc. Few photographs of fallen or about-to-fall grit-wash wall are enclosed for reference.

Needless to say, this calls for immediate action on the part of DDA to order repairs of such vulnerable spots in our pocket-1 in sector-10 on war footing.

We are sure, DDA would fulfill its commitment towards residents of Dwarka sub city by removing / repairing such dangerous portions of outer grit-wash wall.

Some action on falling signboards of Dwarka

Gradually, a change is visible in approach of bureaucracy towards civic problems reported by citizens. Though slowly, but surely wheel has started moving and attempt is made to address & even solve the problem raised. Primarily, credit goes to RTI Act. Civic authorities know that citizen can question their inaction on reported problem through RTI. I believe, this is right step towards good governance.

A fortnight back, I had brought case of falling signboards from overhead gantries on unsuspecting road commuters near Dwarka flyover to the notice of Commissioner of Police, Spl Commissioner of Police (Traffic) and Chief Engineer (DDA, Dwarka). Thankfully, offending (and about to fall ) signboard showing way to Palam village has been removed from overhead gantry.

I hope, authorities would go a step further and re-install both signboards ( one fallen & one removed ) showing directions to Palam Village & NH-8. Currently only left turn to Dabri signboard is hanging. I am approaching authorities again with this suggestion. Let us watch the development.

Falling Signboards in Dwarka

Accompanying photograph used to have 3 signboards to show directions for Left to Dabri, Straight to NH-8 and Right under bridge to Palam Village on road leading to Dwarka flyover. NH-8 signboard on the right had fallen down some time ago. Palam signboard in the centre is hanging precariously and is likely to fall any time on unsuspecting road commuters. An accident is waiting to happen.

Surprisingly, authorities do not seem to notice impending hazard. Their ostrich-like attitude would injure some road user someday. This road sees heavy traffic at all times of the day & night being main road going out of Dwarka towards flyover.

Both DDA & Traffic Police authorities are requested to take immediate preventive action to avoid another accident.