New Delhi: A discussion on anti-pollution measures in their respective wards turned into a stormy confrontation in the MCD House Thursday, with councillors allegedly throwing water and papers, breaking microphones and jostling with each other. The commotion eventually forced the House to wind up proceedings without a meaningful discussion on the measures being taken to combat pollution.The uproar began after mayor Pravesh Wahi announced a provision of Rs 25 lakh per ward under the councillors’ discretionary fund and invited members to discuss pollution mitigation efforts on the ground. AAP councillors said the BJP-led corporation had earlier sanctioned only Rs 50 lakh out of the Rs 2 crore announced at the beginning of the financial year. Wahi assured the entire amount would be allocated during his tenure.The mayor also highlighted decisions taken by Delhi govt, including the opening of a third biogas plant, regularisation of 1,497 sanitation workers, deployment of 12 new jetting machines and a Rs 10,000 increase in the salaries of domestic breeding checkers.Leader of Opposition Ankush Narang questioned the limited fund allocation and alleging that little was visible on the ground to tackle pollution and improve civic problems: “Despite the ‘Kude Se Azaadi’ campaign, garbage can still be found everywhere. Thousands of trees were planted, yet many have perished. The commissioner should clarify the responsibilities of officers and specify the action to be taken if no steps are initiated towards pollution mitigation.”He also questioned the action taken against illegal PG accommodations despite surveys and the Satya Niketan collapse, alleging officials were suspended but the situation had returned to normal within weeks. When the mayor said five people had been suspended, Narang questioned why he had not resigned on moral grounds. The exchange triggered further confrontation, with BJP councillors attempting to snatch papers from Narang.Congress councillor Naziya Danish alleged AAP councillors habitually disrupted House proceedings and said Narang was rarely available in Delhi after being given additional responsibility in Goa by his party. AAP councillors accused her of acting as the BJP’s “B-team”, to which she responded saying she was not Shagufta Chaudhary, “who would go on to join the other party”. The remark further escalated tensions.Chaudhary approached the mayor’s seat and allegedly began throwing papers, tea and water at those around her. Other AAP councillors joined the confrontation, with microphones being snatched and members jostling in front of the mayor. As the situation deteriorated, marshals escorted Wahi away from his seat, and the agenda was cleared amid the disorder.Later, Chaudhary alleged she had not been given an opportunity to speak. She objected to Danish making personal remarks, adding that “microphones were switched off when she approached the mayor’s seat to express her resentment, leaving her with no option”.At a news conference, Wahi said the matter had been referred to the disciplinary committee and action, including possible suspension, would be taken against those found guilty. He said Chaudhary could have raised her objections politely when her turn came, adding that AAP councillors rarely participate actively in discussions and instead disrupt proceedings.Narang accused Congress of diverting attention from public issues through personal remarks whenever AAP councillors raised concerns. Danish rejected his claims, saying AAP had consistently disrupted House proceedings since losing control of the corporation, preventing discussions on issues of public interest.Of the 24 proposals placed before the House, only one, related to SWM bylaws 2026, was postponed while others related to improved solid waste management services were approved.
