Delhi Girl's Death in Open Drain: Family Receives Rs 5 Lakh Compensation After NGT Intervention
More than a year after a tragic incident claimed the life of a five-year-old girl in outer north Delhi, the district administration has finally disbursed a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to her grieving family. This development was formally communicated to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has been closely monitoring the case that underscores severe lapses in civic responsibility and environmental safety.
NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Based on Media Report
The matter came to the forefront when the NGT took suo motu cognisance of a Times of India report dated August 27, 2024, titled "How open drain snuffed out another young life." The tribunal's proactive approach highlighted the systemic failures that led to this preventable tragedy. In its detailed order dated September 13, 2024, the NGT meticulously documented the circumstances surrounding the girl's death.
The young victim was found trapped in deep, slush-filled waters near the Palla village check post, close to Akbarpur Marza. The drain, originally intended for rainwater management, was filled with sewage and sludge due to gross neglect and lack of maintenance. This blatant violation of environmental norms turned a basic infrastructure element into a lethal hazard.
District Administration Complies with Tribunal Directions
In a status report submitted to the NGT, the District Magistrate (North West) confirmed that the sanctioned compensation amount of Rs 5 lakh had been released and credited to the family's account. This action was taken in strict compliance with the directions issued during the tribunal's proceedings, marking a small step toward accountability.
The Public Works Department (PWD) provided additional context, revealing that a temporary plywood board placed across the drain by a local farmer was being used as a makeshift crossing. The child reportedly slipped while attempting to navigate this unsafe passage, highlighting the desperate measures residents are forced to take due to inadequate infrastructure.
NGT Flags Substantial Issues of Non-Compliance
The tribunal did not mince words in its observations, pointing out "substantial issues" of non-compliance with environmental norms. It emphasized that the presence of open, poorly maintained drains criss-crossing the village posed a significant risk, particularly to children. This case raises broader, alarming questions about civic negligence and the enforcement of environmental regulations in urban and semi-urban areas.
To address these systemic failures, the NGT impleaded multiple key authorities, including:
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- The District Magistrate of North West Delhi
Follow-Up Actions and Ongoing Scrutiny
In 2025, the CPCB informed the tribunal that it had written to the DPCC, the District Magistrate, and the PWD in November and December 2024. These communications sought detailed status and action-taken reports on the matter, indicating that the issue remains under active review to prevent future tragedies.
The NGT's involvement has shed light on a critical gap in urban governance. The tribunal underscored that such incidents are not isolated but symptomatic of a larger pattern of neglect. Ensuring the safety and maintenance of public infrastructure is not merely a bureaucratic duty but a fundamental obligation to protect citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental and civic apathy. While the compensation provides some financial relief to the bereaved family, it cannot undo the loss. The ongoing legal and administrative scrutiny aims to drive meaningful changes in policy and implementation, hoping to avert similar heartbreaks in the future.
