The Delhi High Court has strongly backed the construction of a new sewer line through the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) premises to address chronic waterlogging in the Green Park Extension and nearby localities, emphasizing public interest and minimal disruption to the campus.
A division bench comprising Justices Rajneesh Kumar Gupta and Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the directions while hearing a public interest petition concerning frequent waterlogging in the area. In its order dated June 18, the bench observed that the necessity of laying the sewer line could not be doubted and must be executed to serve larger civic needs.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) submitted that the proposed sewer line would span only about 200 metres, of which approximately 130 metres would run within AIIMS property. Noting this, the bench remarked, “Considering the required extent of land and the overarching public interest involved, the court is clear that the new sewer line is required to be laid across the AIIMS residential complex.”
The court directed the DJB and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to carry out regular de-silting and cleaning of existing sewer lines and stormwater drains to mitigate the immediate problem. It also instructed the DJB’s chief engineer to convene a joint meeting on July 8 with officials from AIIMS, MCD, the Public Works Department (PWD), the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Forest Department.
The bench clarified that a comprehensive report must be submitted detailing the design, connectivity from Green Park Extension to Aurobindo Marg, construction timeline, estimated budget, and maintenance plan for the proposed sewer line. It also underscored the importance of coordinating with AIIMS to ensure minimal inconvenience to residents of the institution’s residential complex.
“The report shall be prepared in close coordination with AIIMS so that the least disturbance is caused to the residents within the AIIMS residential campus during the laying of the sewer line,” the order stated.
The DJB has also been asked to update the court on the impact of this season’s monsoon on the area’s waterlogging condition. The matter will be taken up next on July 28.
