Nestled in posh south Delhi, Sangam Vihar which is touted to be one of the biggest unauthorised colonies in the country is a picture of utter neglect. Grappling with acute power and water shortage, the area has a host of other problems that have forced its residents to live in extremely deplorable conditions. The colony is notorious for water shortage every summer season. The problem is so drastic that fights over water erupt regularly. A man was murdered in June over a dispute that was triggered by laying of water, showing how life here was cheaper than water. Residents claim that it has been more than 15 years that they have been waiting for pipelines to be laid but the ruling parties have failed to keep their promise. The shortage has led to influential people forming their gangs to provide water to residents, and this too results in gun battles during peak summer season. While they struggle for water to run in taps, the monsoon brings its own share of woes for them with flooded roads. A short spell of shower chokes roads in Sangam Vihar as there is no proper sewage system and drains have not been cleaned in years. Water clogging near Airforce Metro station is a common sight every rainy season. Residents find themselves prone to falling prey to vector-borne diseases."The area is highly prone to mosquito breeding as the area due to waterlogging. It is difficult to walk even without the fear of falling into some open pit. All our requests have fallen on deaf ears," rued Krishna Devi, a resident. Residents also claim that the current Aam Aadmi Party government has done anything to improve their living conditions. Sangam Vihar does not have proper transport connectivity in the area, prompting former MLA from the area Vijay Jolly to approach the Centre. Jolly has demanded that Metro be brought to Sangam Vihar as lakhs of people living in the colony and its adjoining places will be benefitted. RESIDENTS SAY Residents claim that it has been more than 15 years that they have been waiting for pipelines to be laid but the ruling parties have failed to keep their promise. The shortage has led to influential people forming their gangs to provide water to residents, and this too results in gun battles during peak summer. VOICES The problem of sewage lines has been there for the last 10-15 years. The Congress has not done anything till now and the AAP government will also not do anything. We have become habituated to live like this.— Mohammed Sahil Whenever the police are called for any reason, they begin to make excuses. Because of this, the women and children are not safe here. There is a government school for girls, where bad things done with girls like they are teased or attacked, but cops refuse to help.— Pankaj There is acute problem of drinking water in this area. Tankers come and charge money to supply water. Delhi Jal Board has failed to lay drinking water pipelines in the area.— Rani Devi There is a crummy situation due to the garbage. People throw their trash in open areas due to unavailability of MCD garbage trucks, leaving strong stench in the whole locality . It also blocks the sewage lines which leads garbage to overflow on roads.— Prakash Singh The area is highly prone to mosquito breeding as there is waterlogging everywhere. This may lead to outbreak of vector-borne diseases. We really want the government to take some action as soon as possible.— Seema Kumari In this area, we have only two government schools. There is no safety for the students, making us feel really insecure. We don't even feel like going to school. Also, there is a lot of traffic in the area and it is hard for us to cross the roads.— Monty EXPERT SPEAK Sangam Vihar has been crying for government attention for the past so many decades. The area does not even have tapped water facility. Tankers that come every day, are a scam of their own. People have to pay for few litres of water that the AAP government had promised for free. The residents have to spend at least Rs 20 to reach the nearest point for public transport and given their economic condition, it is a big amount.— Vijay Jolly, former MLA from Saket

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