The Federation of Cooperative Group Housing Societies Dwarka Ltd., celebrated its Silver Jubilee at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, Sector-3, Dwarka on Sunday, 27^th April, 2025, in a grand manner.

The programme was graced among others by Smt. Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, West Delhi, who was the Chief Guest; Shri Kuldeep Solanki, MLA, Palam; Shri Sandeep Sehrawat, MLA, Matiala; Shri Ram Niwas, Councillor, Dwarka A ward no. 121A, Smt. Seema Pandit, Councillor, Palam, Ward No. 135; Shri Abhishek Ranjan, Chief Executive Officer, BSES; Shri Hem Chand Jain, Prinicipal, DDU College, Presidents, Secretaries and members of CGHSs and DDA Pockets and other prominent citizens of Dwarka.

The programme, started with a Nukkad Natak (Street Play) presented by Sukhmanch Theater on an Environmental issue. This was followed by a short documentary film – Journey of Dwarka, portraying Dwarka’s evolution—from barren land to a vibrant, well-planned community. The film made by Diyaa Solanki, not only captured the spirit of this journey but also resonated deeply with the audience, evoking pride and nostalgia. This was further followed by another short film on the Heritage of Dwarka – Sector-12, Baoli spotlighting the Baoli’s heritage, reinforcing the collective call for the Baoli’s expedited restoration to preserve this architectural gem for future generations.

A message received from Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, congratulating the Federation on its Silver Jubilee was read out in the programme.

Federation President Sh. Rakesh Gupta presided over the ceremony, which began with the traditional lighting of lamp and Ganesh Vandana. Hon’ble MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat, the chief guest, and other Guests were welcomed by Shri Gupta with a ceremonial planter.

Patron T.P. Maniappan and former Federation President Smt. Sudha Sinha also graced the occasion.

In his welcome address Shri Gupta recalled the visionary leadership of Shri C. M. Mathew, the founder of the Federation, whose foresight and dedication he said laid the foundation stone for this united platform. Following in his footsteps, Shri T. P. Maniappan and Smt. Sudha Sinha led the Federation with dedication and resilience, nurturing it through different stages of its growth, he added. Shri Gupta said, it was now the responsibility of his 25-member team and him to carry forward this legacy with sincerity and commitment — a responsibility they have been privileged to shoulder over the last one and a half years.

Shri Gupta highlighted pressing issues affecting thousands of residents; viz.

• Restoration of the 20% property-tax rebate for FY 2025–26
• Withdrawal of unjust user-charge levies imposed alongside property tax without corresponding services
• Reconsideration of Environment Damage Compensation notices, which have generated alarming recovery demands
• Reinstatement of the Rainwater Harvesting subsidy, hastily withdrawn by DJB

These measures were vital to ease the financial burden on our societies, Gupta stressed. He warned that Encroachment poses a grave threat to Dwarka’s future. Roads, service lanes, footpaths, market areas, parks, and even vacant grounds are increasingly occupied illegally — whether by unauthorized immigrants or others. This, unplanned burden on the infrastructure of Dwarka, if not checked now, will undo years of painstaking development and risk turning Dwarka into a modern urban slum. He proposed setting up a Dwarka Anti-Encroachment Task Force with participation from civic bodies, RWAs, and residents to firmly address this challenge before it becomes irreversible.

In her address, Hon’ble MP Sehrawat assured the audience that these concerns would be taken up with the relevant agencies promptly. She said, the public representatives of Dwarka are well aware about the problems and issues concerning Dwarka and are committed to the betterment of the sub city. She highlighted the various measures being taken by the present government for improving the connectivity of Dwarka with rest of the city and said, all relevant measures will be taken to ensure that Dwarka continues to be a Jewel in the Crown of Delhi.

In his address, Vice President Cdr VK Jaitly urged immediate action on essential civic amenities, pressing for comprehensive pole-light installation across Dwarka, strategic pruning of trees, and shortening of light poles to prevent foliage obstruction. “Our streets must be well-lit without compromising the greenery we cherish,” he emphasized.

Chief Guest, Smt. Sehrawat, released a commemorative souvenir brought out on the occasion. Mementos were presented to all dignitaries, including Shri T P Maniappan and Smt. Sudha Sinha, Former Presidents of Federation in recognition of their invaluable service to the Federation.

Vice President Sh. H.K. Maan presented the vote of thanks. The programme was conducted with aplomb by the host Smt. Shashi Jain.