Delhi High Court has issued a decisive order to halt the persistent waterlogging on Shaheen Bagh road, a stretch that has become a daily nightmare for residents and commuters alike. The bench, led by Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, has directed the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department to collaborate with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to clean, repair, and relaid the road, while mandating immediate measures to stop the backflow of sewer water.
Background/Context
Shaheen Bagh, a neighbourhood that gained national attention during the 2020 protests, now faces a new crisis. The Abul Fazal Drain, which runs parallel to the road, has been overflowing with untreated sewage, causing the road to flood during monsoon rains and even in dry weather. Residents report that the waterlogged stretch has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, a health hazard, and a major impediment to traffic flow. The problem escalated after a Times of India report highlighted the open sewer running along the public road, prompting the court to take suo motu cognisance.
Despite inspections by DJB, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and MCD, no single agency has taken responsibility for the maintenance of the road and the drain. The court’s order underscores the jurisdictional ambiguity that has allowed the issue to fester, with the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department owning the drain and the road, while Delhi’s civic bodies are tasked with ensuring public safety.
Key Developments
The court’s order contains several concrete directives:
- Notice to Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department: The bench has issued a formal notice to the UP irrigation department, demanding clarity on its role and urging it to take immediate action.
- Collaboration Mandate: Until responsibilities are clarified, the UP irrigation department must work closely with MCD and DJB to clean, repair, and relaid the road. Temporary measures to stop backflow must also be implemented.
- Immediate Stop of Leakage: DJB is directed to halt the leakage of untreated sewage into the Abul Fazal Drain and restore basic sanitation in the locality.
- Accountability for Dredging: The court highlighted that the UP irrigation department has failed to dredge, remodel, and expand the drain, despite payments made by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) for these works.
- Public Health Hazard: The open sewer is deemed a hazard to safety and health, and the court has called for urgent remedial action to prevent further public grievances.
These directives come after DJB’s status report, which blamed the UP irrigation department for not maintaining the drain. DJB also pointed out that it had fulfilled its duty of treating and discharging effluent from the Okhla Waste Water Treatment Plant into the Abul Fazal Drain, but the lack of regular dredging by the UP department has led to the current waterlogging.
Impact Analysis
For residents of Shaheen Bagh, the waterlogged road has translated into daily inconveniences:
- Traffic congestion during peak hours, with vehicles often stranded for hours.
- Increased risk of waterborne diseases, as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Disruption to local businesses, with footfall dropping due to unsafe walking conditions.
- Psychological stress among students and commuters who rely on the road for daily travel.
Students, in particular, face challenges in accessing educational institutions. Many schools and colleges in the vicinity have reported that the road’s condition hampers timely arrival of students and staff. The court’s order, therefore, is not just a civic matter but a public health and educational concern.
Expert Insights/Tips
Urban infrastructure experts emphasize that resolving waterlogging requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Regular Dredging: Authorities must schedule quarterly dredging of the Abul Fazal Drain to prevent blockage and ensure efficient water flow.
- Road Relaying: The road should be relaid with proper drainage layers to facilitate quick runoff during rains.
- Community Monitoring: Residents can form a local action group to report any new blockages or leaks, ensuring swift response from civic bodies.
- Health Precautions: Use mosquito repellents and ensure proper disposal of waste to mitigate disease risks.
- Legal Recourse: While the court has issued orders, residents can file public interest litigations (PILs) to enforce compliance if delays persist.
For students and families, staying informed about the court’s directives and the progress of the cleanup can help in planning daily commutes. Local NGOs can also play a role by conducting awareness campaigns on sanitation and health risks associated with waterlogging.
Looking Ahead
The Delhi High Court’s intervention marks a significant step toward resolving the waterlogging crisis on Shaheen Bagh road. However, the long-term solution hinges on sustained cooperation between Delhi’s civic agencies and the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department. The court’s order sets a precedent for inter-state accountability in urban infrastructure issues.
Future implications include:
- Potential policy reforms to clarify jurisdictional responsibilities for roads that cross state boundaries.
- Increased funding for drainage maintenance under the National Mission for Clean Ganga, ensuring that allocated budgets are effectively utilized.
- Implementation of smart monitoring systems that use sensors to detect blockages and trigger automatic alerts to authorities.
- Enhanced public participation through digital platforms where residents can report issues and track resolution status.
As Delhi prepares for the upcoming monsoon season, the court’s order serves as a reminder that proactive infrastructure management is essential to safeguard public health and maintain urban mobility.
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