The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to conduct an immediate inspection and take corrective action after reports surfaced of severely contaminated drinking water being supplied to several localities in East Delhi.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Dhruv Gupta. The plea raised concerns over black-coloured, foul-smelling water allegedly being supplied in areas including Yojana Vihar, Anand Vihar, Jagriti Enclave, and other adjoining localities.
“Look at the colour of the water which they are getting,” the bench observed, expressing concern over the health hazards posed by the supply of such water. The court directed DJB officials to conduct a physical inspection of the affected areas, prepare a detailed report, and submit it before the court at the next hearing on July 5.
The court also directed that if any fault is found during inspection that requires immediate attention, it must be rectified without delay. Additionally, the DJB was asked to ensure that residents are provided with clean and safe drinking water.
According to the petition, residents have been receiving contaminated water mixed with sewage since June 12. Despite filing complaints with the authorities, no remedial action had been taken, Gupta submitted.
The plea argued that the right to clean drinking water, a fundamental aspect of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, was being gravely violated. It warned that continued supply of such contaminated water could lead to a public health crisis, especially affecting children and the elderly.
The petitioner urged the court to direct the Delhi government and the DJB to immediately restore the supply of clean drinking water and ensure safeguards against any future mixing of potable water with sewage.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 5.
