NEW DELHI: Even on the busiest of weekdays, the manicured lawns of the Defence Colony Club in C Block hum with easy laughter and animated conversation. Members — many of whom fondly refer to it as their second home — gather here to unwind, exchange stories and savour moments of unhurried companionship.Unlike many neighbourhoods in Delhi, Defence Colony offers a rare abundance of inviting public spaces where residents can pause and connect. Cradled by leafy parks and shaded, tree-lined avenues, it ranks among the capital’s most coveted addresses.Established in the 1960s on land that once formed part of Kotla Mubarakpur, the colony was originally conceived as a haven for army officers displaced during Partition. What began as a quiet settlement of expansive bungalows evolved into a vibrant, high-density residential enclave over the decades. Today, stately homes stand alongside contemporary low-rise and high-rise apartments — a testament to a distinguished past, and the relentless demand that has reshaped it.
This transformation has drawn a mixed response. Oldtimers believe the area’s infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with growth. “Drainage systems are overburdened, roads bear the scars of wear and neglect, and overflowing manholes have become an unsettlingly frequent sight,” said Maj (Retd) Ranjit Singh, president of Defence Colony Welfare Association and a 1971 war veteran. His father, also an army officer, was among the first few plot allottees, and their house was built in 1959.Many lament “official apathy” toward resolving pressing concerns. Adding to the strain is the creeping commercialisation along stretches bordering Ring Road and Bhishma Pitamah Marg. What was once a largely residential sanctuary is now a thoroughfare, with commuters from neighbouring colonies cutting through internal roads.
“The prolonged disrepair of the bridge over Defence Colony nallah at Ratan Lal Sahdev Marg — once a vital link between Kotla to Lajpat Nagar, Jangpura and Nizamuddin — has worsened the traffic situation, forcing vehicles to take long detours through its quieter lanes,” said RWA general secretary Promodh Chopra.The drain has been a source of distress, with residents recalling flooded basements and ground floors due to its overflowing water.“The drain was not desilted for over a decade. Though Delhi High Court’s intervention eventually prompted action and desilting was undertaken, there are concerns over the absence of functional treatment systems to manage stormwater before it enters the drain. There is also consistent stench emanating from this place,” said Darshan Paul, resident of C block.Despite challenges, Defence Colony has lost none of its intrinsic allure. The bustling market, set opposite the 15th-century Lodhi-era tomb of Gumti of Shaikh Ali, lends the neighbourhood a rare historical texture. With 18 parks and hundreds of trees, the colony still feels like a verdant refuge in the heart of the capital.Yet, beauty requires stewardship. “Cherished spaces demand sustained care and thoughtful management. Residents spend from their own pockets to keep the parks green, but there is little we can do to upgrade infrastructure. Attention from the authorities would restore the area to its rightful place as a top neighbourhood,” said Singh.
