MunicipalCorporation – Delhi Civic Body Approves Road Renaming and Policy Changes
MunicipalCorporation – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi on Monday cleared a series of proposals that will lead to the renaming of several roads, public spaces and health facilities across different parts of the city, while also approving key administrative and environmental measures.
The decisions were taken during a House meeting where recommendations from the corporation’s ad-hoc Naming and Renaming Committee received formal approval. Most of the renaming proposals relate to areas in North and North-West Delhi, according to officials present at the session.
Renaming of Roads and Public Places
In Ward 31, a stretch connecting Qutubgarh to Ladrawan Road will now be known as Lieutenant Bharat Singh Marg. In the same ward, a gate leading to Mungeshpura village has been approved to be named after Chaudhary Chhajuram.
Another significant change concerns Kanjhawla Road in the Nangal Thakran area, which will be renamed Chaudhary Chhattar Singh Pehalwan Marg. In Wazirpur, a road located behind K-D Block extending toward the middle of the village will carry the name Pandit Roop Dutt Marg.
The civic body also approved naming the entrance gate toward Deep Cinema in Ashok Vihar as Chaudhary Ramchandra Malyan Gate. Additionally, a women’s park in Ashok Vihar Phase-I will be renamed Kaushalya Verma Park in recognition of a local social worker’s contributions.
Health Facilities to Get New Names
Beyond roads and parks, the renaming exercise extends to healthcare institutions. An urban public health centre in Ward 122, Matiala, will be named after the late Rajesh Gehlot. Meanwhile, the polyclinic in Mehrauli is set to be renamed Dr B.R. Ambedkar Polyclinic Hospital, Mehrauli.
Officials said these decisions are intended to acknowledge individuals who have contributed to public life and community development.
Free Cremation Services to Tackle Pollution
In a move linked to environmental concerns, the House also approved a proposal to provide free cremation services at CNG and electric crematoriums. The initiative aims to encourage the use of cleaner facilities and reduce smoke emissions, particularly at a time when air quality in the national capital remains a matter of concern.
Civic authorities believe that expanding access to cleaner cremation options could play a small but meaningful role in curbing pollution levels.
Administrative and Advertising Decisions
The meeting also saw the approval of empanelment for newspapers, television channels, radio stations, digital platforms and outdoor advertising agencies at revised rates. The civic body cleared the introduction of new advertising formats on flyovers and underpasses.
In addition, members approved the settlement of force-majeure claims related to restrictions imposed during G20-related events and anti-pollution measures. Payments to gaushalas for feeding impounded cattle were also cleared.
These decisions are expected to streamline advertising operations and address pending financial matters within the Municipal Corporation.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Financial Powers
The session was not without political friction. The Aam Aadmi Party criticised the BJP over a proposal to increase the Municipal Commissioner’s financial authority. Leader of Opposition Ankush Narang said the party had sought a detailed discussion on raising the financial limit from Rs 5 crore to Rs 50 crore.
According to Narang, the agenda was passed quickly by the Deputy Mayor without adequate debate. He argued that under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi Act, 1957, the financial ceiling is fixed at Rs 5 crore and any revision requires a formal amendment. He alleged that the enhancement was implemented through an administrative order rather than legislative change.
Congress Questions Budget Transparency
Separately, the Delhi Congress also targeted the BJP over the Municipal Corporation of Delhi budget. Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav rejected the budget, alleging that corruption had been concealed behind inflated or inconsistent figures.
Addressing a press conference, Yadav claimed that discrepancies in official data pointed to a lack of clear planning. He further stated that sanitation and civic services across several parts of Delhi remain inadequate, reflecting broader governance challenges.
With multiple administrative, environmental and political issues intersecting, Monday’s House meeting underscored the continuing debate over civic management in the capital.