Expressing serious concern over the persistent flooding issues in the national capital, the Delhi High Court on Monday highlighted the “enormous confusion” among civic agencies stemming from poorly defined responsibilities and urged the Delhi government to consider centralising civic administration and flood management.
A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Manmeet P.S. Arora was hearing two suo motu petitions related to monsoon waterlogging, rainwater harvesting, and traffic congestion. The court observed that fragmented jurisdiction between agencies like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has led to a lack of accountability and maintenance, resulting in recurring urban flooding.
“Storm water drains are with the MCD, sewage lines are with the DJB. Neither agency is maintaining its system, and each keeps shifting blame onto the other,” the court noted. In many neighbourhoods, the court added, drains are blocked by encroachments or residents themselves, further exacerbating the issue.
The court also examined a fresh plea filed by the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) of Maharani Bagh regarding recent flooding due to alleged alterations in drainage near the Ring Road. While the Public Works Department (PWD) claimed the drainage holes existed earlier and had merely been unblocked, residents accused the department of worsening the situation.
The bench noted that the road in question had been transferred from PWD to MCD, adding to the confusion. “The current state of civic services reflects widespread apathy, worsened by overlapping functions and lack of coordination among MCD, PWD, DJB, DDA, and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department,” the court said.
Taking a broader view, the court directed the Delhi Chief Secretary to place the order before appropriate government functionaries to explore the possibility of centralised administration for managing urban flooding. If necessary, the matter may be escalated to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor.
In the specific matter of Maharani Bagh, the court ordered PWD and MCD to conduct a site inspection and hold a joint meeting with residents on August 2. A consolidated status report on mitigation efforts is to be filed thereafter.
The High Court’s remarks came while hearing complaints from several residents, including lawyers, who cited extensive flooding of homes, offices, and roads due to clogged drains.
