The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to take urgent steps to stop sewage from overflowing onto a public road in the Shaheen Bagh area, after taking note of the serious inconvenience and health risks caused to residents and commuters.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora acted after observing reports highlighting the persistent discharge of sewage from an open drain in the locality. The court remarked that the condition of the road had deteriorated to such an extent that it had become unsafe and unhygienic for public use.
During the hearing, the bench stressed that the presence of untreated sewage on a busy roadway cannot be permitted and requires immediate rectification. The court instructed the Delhi Jal Board to inspect the site without delay and ensure that the leakage is effectively plugged.
The judges also clarified that if the issue requires coordination with other civic authorities, the DJB must seek assistance from agencies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) or the Public Works Department (PWD). The court made it clear that administrative overlap cannot be used as an excuse for inaction.
The matter came up in the context of an ongoing suo motu case concerning waterlogging and drainage problems across the capital, where the court has been monitoring civic preparedness, especially during adverse weather conditions. The bench observed that open sewer leaks aggravate waterlogging, damage infrastructure and pose serious public health concerns.
Acknowledging the hardships faced by residents of Shaheen Bagh due to the persistent sewage overflow, the court underscored the responsibility of civic bodies to maintain basic sanitation and public safety. It directed that a compliance update be placed on record after corrective measures are undertaken.
The High Court is scheduled to review the status of the matter at the next hearing, by which time it expects the authorities to have resolved the issue and restored normal conditions in the affected area.
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