No more monkeying around, says new mayor

Dr Kanwar Sen, Delhi's new mayor, promises to rid the Capital of stray dogs, cattle and monkeys. In an interview to MiD DAY, he reveals his plans about bettering the city

Dr Kanwar Sen, Delhi's new mayor, promises to rid the Capital of stray dogs, cattle and monkeys. In an interview to MiD DAY, he reveals his plans about bettering the city

Dr Kanwar Sen was happy serving people at his Vishwas Nagar clinic in east Delhi. The 50-year-old doctor had

Illustration: Sameer Pawar

no clue about what fate had in store for him till his name was proposed for the mayor of Delhi by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Today, after being elected the First Citizen of the Capital, Sen is concerned about the civic issues of the city and promises to address the problems.

In October 2007, SS Bajwa, the then deputy mayor of Delhi, was killed while chasing a bunch of stray monkeys. So, people questions that when the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) couldn't save its deputy mayor, how can it protect others from the monkey menace?



Recently, I was informed that the MCD had rounded up the largest number of monkeys last year. But there is always scope for improvement. We are aware of the gravity of the situation and I will assure that the MCD ropes in more monkey catchers. I promise people won't suffer any more.

Despite Supreme Court orders, the MCD has failed miserably to drive out stray cattle from Delhi's roads. Every now and then these animals cause accidents. How will you tackle the problem?
We will plan a strategy to solve the problem. We have already roped in NGOs to tackle stray dogs and we will invite similar organisations to revive goshalas (cowsheds) so that stray cows and buffaloes can find a home.

There are over five lakh stray dogs in the city and they are a big cause for worry. How will you tackle the problem?
The law doesn't allow us to send these dogs anywhere. After sterilization, we have to return them to the neighbourhood from where they were caught. I too am against sending them out of the city or country. All animals should be treated well. On the lines of goshalas, we will construct kennels for stray dogs. They can be kept there after sterilization. They will be well taken care of in those kennels.

Know your mayoru00a0
A practicing doctor, Sen is the first mayor of Delhi from the medical background. He did MBBS from the Maulana Azad Medical College.
He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1981 and held various political posts till he was elected a councilor from Vishwas Nagar.

And here are a few of his favourite things
Authors: Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, MS Golwalkar and Keshav Baliram Hegdewar
Books: Hegdewar's book on the life of a Sangh Swayam Sewak and Bunch of Thoughts byu00a0 Golwalkar
Singers: Mukesh and Jagjit
Movie: Kabhie Kabhie

Sen's Delhi dose
Education
My priority will be to improve government schools so that they attract students from all backgrounds. I want Delhiites to feel proud about enrolling their children in a government school. I will bridge the gap between private and government schools.

Sanitation
As far as sanitation is concerned, the city has improved since the BJP took over from the Congress. I will introduce night sweeping in the city and garbage will be collected in trucks with public announcement systems to streamline the service

Encroachments
I plan to allot rehriwallahs (temporary stall owners) space along roads and be strict about removing encroachments. The licencing department is already working on the subject.

Roads
We will ensure that the quality of road-building materials is not compromised. When roads are constructed, a competent agency certifies that the quality of raw materials used is up to the mark. Besides the contractor, the certifying agency too will be held accountable for potholed roads.

Corrupt MCD
If it is corrupt, I will request my colleagues and officers not to indulge in such practices. When I will work with honesty, I will expect the same from them. And they will have to live up to it.