The Delhi High Court has voiced its deep concern and disappointment over the persistent waterlogging issue plaguing a crucial road stretch in the Okhla area of the national capital. In a significant development, the court has explicitly stated that it is "pained to note" the apparent reluctance of multiple civic agencies to assume responsibility for maintaining this problematic section of road.
Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Sewer Leakage
The judicial intervention was initiated after the court took suo motu cognisance of a media report that highlighted severe sewer leakage in the Shaheen Bagh-Okhla locality. A special bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet PS Arora expressed alarm at the presence of an open sewer flowing alongside a public road, describing it as a serious hazard to both public safety and community health.
Multiple Agencies, Zero Accountability
During recent proceedings, the court noted with frustration that despite a comprehensive inspection conducted by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) along with other concerned agencies, none of the civic bodies—including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), DJB, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)—could definitively state which agency holds responsibility for maintaining the affected road.
"The court is pained to note that despite the inspection of the road, which was conducted by DJB along with other agencies, neither DDA, DJB nor MCD is able to state which agency is maintaining this road," the bench observed during the hearing.
Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department Held Responsible
The judicial scrutiny revealed a crucial jurisdictional detail: both the problematic Abul Fazal Drain and the adjacent road are officially owned by the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department. This discovery prompted the court to issue a formal notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, seeking its official stance on the matter.
"Since the Abul Fazal Drain and the road near it are owned by the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department, it is deemed appropriate to issue a notice to it," the court stated in its order.
Immediate Remedial Measures Ordered
While awaiting clarity on jurisdictional responsibilities, the court has mandated immediate collaborative action. The Uttar Pradesh irrigation department has been directed to work closely with both MCD and DJB to implement comprehensive remedial measures.
The court's specific directives include:
- Thorough cleaning and repair of the affected road section
- Complete relaying of the damaged road surface
- Implementation of temporary measures to stop sewer backflow
- Ensuring minimal disruption to both vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement
DJB Shifts Responsibility to UP Authorities
In its official status report submitted to the court, the Delhi Jal Board presented a detailed defense of its position. DJB officials argued that the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department has failed to perform essential maintenance activities on the Abul Fazal Drain, despite receiving payment from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) for precisely these purposes.
The water utility board emphasized that the persistent waterlogging has created "significant inconvenience to the general public", with flooded roads disrupting daily activities and generating numerous public grievances. DJB maintained that it has been "unjustly held responsible" for a situation that falls entirely outside its jurisdictional authority.
Treatment Plant Operations Clarified
DJB further clarified its role in the matter, explaining that it had successfully executed its assigned task under NMCG directives: ensuring proper treatment and discharge of effluents from the Okhla Waste Water Treatment Plant into the Abul Fazal Drain. The board asserted that while it fulfilled its treatment responsibilities, the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department neglected its duty to conduct regular and necessary dredging operations in the drain.
The court has now sought the official response from the Uttar Pradesh resident commissioner while maintaining pressure on all concerned agencies to resolve this public nuisance that has been affecting Delhi residents for an extended period.
