The High Court of Chhattisgarh has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report highlighting the dire living conditions of residents in Ward No. 12 (Bannak locality), Sirgitti, caused by an incomplete drainage project and damaged water pipelines. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, assembling on a non-working day, directed the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur, to ensure the completion of the drain within one week and restore the supply of potable water immediately.
Background of the Case
The matter was initiated as a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (WPPIL No. 17 of 2026) following a report published in the Hindi daily Navbharat on April 4, 2026. The report, titled “Bajbajati Naali Ke Bich Paani Bharne Ki Majburi, Beemariyon Ka Khatra” (Compulsion to fetch water amidst overflowing drains, risk of diseases), detailed the plight of residents in Sirgitti.
According to the report, excavation for a drain extending from the residence of Ajay Yadav to Dattu Mishra was undertaken approximately one and a half months ago. A trench nearly 10 feet deep was dug but left unattended. During this excavation, the existing water pipeline was completely damaged, cutting off the water supply to the locality.
Observations of the Court
The Court noted with concern that despite being “fully aware of the prevailing situation,” officials of the Municipal Corporation had “deliberately ignored the issue.” The bench observed that wastewater from households was accumulating in the open 10-foot trench, creating hazardous and unhygienic conditions.
The Court remarked on the severity of the situation:
“Residents are compelled to fetch drinking water at great personal risk, as they must pass through filthy and stagnant water. The accumulation of stagnant water has also led to increased mosquito breeding, posing a serious threat of diseases such as dengue and other waterborne infections.”
The bench further characterized the situation as a result of “gross negligence, dereliction of duty, and a lack of accountability on the part of both the contractor and the municipal authorities.”
Court’s Decision and Directions
Observing that the inaction had forced residents to live under “deplorable and hazardous conditions,” the High Court issued the following directions to Respondent No. 5 (Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur):
- Time-bound Completion: Ensure the construction of the drainage system in Ward No. 12, Sirgitti, is completed within one week.
- Restoration of Water Supply: Repair and restore the damaged water pipeline “forthwith” to ensure an uninterrupted supply of potable water.
- Sanitization: Take immediate steps to clear accumulated wastewater and sanitize the area to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Fixing Accountability: Fix responsibility upon the “erring contractor and officials” for the lapse and initiate appropriate legal action against them.
- Personal Affidavit: The Commissioner must file a personal affidavit before the next hearing date, detailing the steps taken, the current status of the work, and the details of the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) and work order, including the original proposed timeframe for completion.
The Court expressed its expectation that the work would be finished promptly:
“We hope and trust that the drain in question would be constructed within a period of one week whereby the pipeline is passing through so that no contaminated water shall be used by the local residents apprehending their sickness…”
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 9, 2026, for the submission of the Commissioner’s personal affidavit.
