Delhi’s civic corridors are witnessing a rare sight this week—an elected councillor staging a daily, single-person protest against her own corporation. Councillor Ariba Khan (Ward 188, Abul Fazal Enclave) has been sitting outside the DC Office, Central Zone, Jal Vihar from 8–12 December, 11 AM to 1 PM, in a symbolic dharna that underscores the depth of public frustration with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Her protest is not about party politics but about alleged corruption, governance paralysis, and denial of basic civic rights. From garbage piling up in lanes to stray cattle roaming freely, from illegal encroachments choking public spaces to allegations of extortion by multiple MCD departments, Khan’s sit-in is a sharp indictment of a system that residents say has failed them. She insists that the dharna will continue until the voices of thousands in her ward and across the Central Zone are heard.
Municipal Councillor Ariba Khan has begun a daily, peaceful, single-person symbolic protest outside the Central Zone Deputy Commissioner’s Office of the MCD to highlight serious allegations of corruption, governance failures, and rising public grievances. Councillor Ariba stated that the protest started on Monday and will continue every day until 12 December 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. She added that despite repeatedly informing the administration about these complaints, no solutions have been provided.
Key Concerns Being Highlighted
- Widespread Extortion and Corruption
Several MCD departments—including Health, Veterinary and Building—are allegedly involved in extortion-related practices. These actions are obstructing public services, burdening residents, and delaying essential civic work. - Garbage Management Crisis
Chronic garbage accumulation continues due to inadequate manpower. Councillor Khan is demanding a significant increase in the number of safai karamcharis (sanitation workers) to ensure basic cleanliness and improve public health conditions in the ward. - Stray Cattle Causing Public Safety Issues
Despite repeated complaints, stray cattle roaming on roads remain a major concern, leading to accidents, traffic disruptions, and unsanitary conditions. Immediate and consistent action is being sought. - Illegal Encroachments
Uncontrolled encroachments are affecting pedestrian movement, road safety, market access, and emergency services. Strong, sustained anti-encroachment action is required from the corporation. - Extortion by Health, Veterinary, Enforcement & Building Departments
Residents and small businesses reportedly face regular harassment and bribery demands. Councillor Khan is demanding that:
A formal enquiry be initiated by the Vigilance Department and the Anti-Corruption Bureau against the officials involved.
Strict accountability and transparent procedures be enforced to end such malpractices entirely.
- Denial of Development Works in Unauthorised Areas
Residents living in unauthorised colonies often face refusal or unnecessary delays in even basic development works such as street repairs, drains, and cleanliness drives. The Councillor demands that public services should not be withheld under any pretext.
Purpose of the Protest
This symbolic dharna is aimed at:
Urging the MCD administration to take immediate corrective measures,
Ensuring citizen-centric governance,
Restoring public faith in municipal systems,
Bringing transparency, accountability, and fairness to civic administration.
Councillor Ariba Khan has stated that she will continue to stage this daily protest for the entire duration announced, to ensure the voices of residents are heard and acted upon.
–The End
