Mundka

Mundka was primarily an agricultural village during British Raj, with farming being the main livelihood for its residents. The fertile lands of the region were used for growing crops such as wheat, barley, and millet. The British administration introduced land revenue systems, such as the Permanent Settlement or Ryotwari system in parts of India, impacting rural areas like Mundka. Land taxes imposed on farmers often caused economic strain. The British period saw the introduction of railways and road networks across India. Mundka benefited from its proximity to Delhi, the administrative center. The development of railway lines (such as the Delhi-Rohtak line) in the vicinity connected rural areas to urban centers, influencing trade and mobility. Mundka Police Station (now Nangloi) was established on October 29, 1861, making it one of the earliest police stations in Delhi. This establishment followed the enactment of the Indian Police Act of 1861^[7] by the British administration, which aimed to structure and regulate policing across India. The first five police stations inaugurated in Delhi under this act were Sadar Bazar, Sabzi Mandi, Mehrauli, Kotwali and Mundka.^[8]

The name is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word muṇḍa (मुण्ड), meaning "head", with local folklore linking it to the beheading of Shishupala by Krishna, where his head allegedly fell into Shishupal Pond in Mundka.

Dada Bhairav Temple is a well-known temple in the village Dada Bhairav is regarded as the Kuladevata (ancestral deity) of the people of Mundka. Many local families have deep-rooted faith in Dada Bhairav and consider him their protector and guiding force. The temple plays a vital role in their religious and cultural traditions, with devotees offering prayers for prosperity, protection, and the well-being of their families. During the annual Bhandara (community kitchen) at Dada Bhairav Temple, free food is distributed to all devotees as part of a sacred tradition. After his electoral victory in 2025, Parvesh Verma visited his ancestral village of Mundka and offered prayers at the Dada Bhairav Temple.^[9]

According to the 2011 India census,^[10] Mundka had a population of 57,590. Males constituted 56% of the population and females 44%. Mundka had an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 74.04%. Male literacy was 75%, and female literacy was 65%. At that time, 16% of the population was under six years of age. The village falls under the 8th Assembly of Delhi.

Mundka, like many parts of West Delhi, struggles with poor drainage and waterlogging issues, especially during the monsoon season.^[15] Rapid industrialization and construction have led to encroachment on natural drainage paths. Many areas still lack a well-connected drainage network, leading to water stagnation. Garbage dumping and lack of regular cleaning cause drains to overflow during rains. Waterlogging causes roads to flood often, making commuting difficult particularly along the Rohtak Road stretch between Nangloi Metro Station and Tikri Border. This section has been notorious for severe waterlogging and traffic congestion, adversely affecting daily commuters and residents in areas like Nangloi, Mundka, Ghevra, and Tikri.^[16]

The devastating 2022 Delhi fire took place on May 13, 2022, in a four-story commercial building near Mundka metro station. The fire, which is believed to have been caused by a short circuit, originated on the first floor, where a CCTV and router manufacturing company was operating. The flames spread rapidly, trapping workers and office employees inside the building, leading to a significant loss of life and injuries.^[17]

• Parvesh Verma (born 1977), politician^[9]