The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIDC), seeking detailed information on measures to curb untreated industrial effluents flowing into the Yamuna River.
A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet P S Arora instructed DSIDC to present an affidavit elucidating the status of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) under its supervision. The court queried whether additional CETPs are necessary to handle the industrial waste effectively.
This inquiry arose during hearings on petitions related to persistent waterlogging in Delhi, with a particular focus on the management of 37 sewage treatment plants (STPs) designated for domestic and residential waste. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in installing flow meters at 11 STPs, describing the situation as “unsatisfactory” and indicative of a lackadaisical approach by the authorities.
Despite refraining from penalizing the responsible official from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) after assurances of imminent action, the court warned that failure to comply with its directives could lead to severe consequences, including contempt charges.
Further exacerbating the court’s concerns, it was revealed that the tenders for essential equipment were being issued in a fragmented manner, suggesting a systemic neglect of judicial orders. “The fragmented tender process and the prolonged delays in executing court orders present a troubling picture of administrative oversight,” the court noted in its order dated January 28, 2025.
The issues under judicial scrutiny extend beyond industrial waste, encompassing rainwater harvesting, traffic congestion during the monsoon season, and overall urban water management in the capital. The court has now expanded the scope of the proceedings to include DSIDC, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to environmental and infrastructural challenges in the city.
The next hearing is scheduled for February, where DSIDC is expected to provide a comprehensive response to the court’s queries regarding the adequacy of current effluent treatment facilities and the jurisdictional scope of its environmental responsibilities.
Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have been roped into the discussions. MCD is to investigate allegations of sewage blockages in Green Park Extension, while DMRC must address claims that a critical drainage conduit along Aurobindo Marg is non-operational, contributing to localized flooding.
