The Delhi High Court on Thursday demanded a comprehensive response from Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar on the timeline required to desilt the clogged drainage systems across the national capital. The inquiry comes in light of severe waterlogging issues reported by Delhi residents following recent rains.
During the proceedings, headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, the court addressed multiple pleas from locals, including several lawyers, who experienced significant flooding in their homes, offices, and public roads due to inadequately maintained storm water and sewage drains. The situation underscored the pressing need for a revamped urban planning strategy.
“These drains, some untouched for decades, are virtually clogged and cannot be cleared overnight,” noted Justice Manmohan. “With a burgeoning population of approximately 33 million, it’s imperative to develop a new master plan.”
Legal representatives of affected residents highlighted that pre-monsoon desilting efforts were either insufficient or improperly managed, with debris frequently left on roadsides, only to be washed back into the drains by subsequent rains. The aftermath has led to extensive damage, including in locales like Defence Colony where offices reported ruined electronics.
Addressing the specific case of flooding in the Kotla Mubarakpur and Garhi village areas, the bench assured that the administration would deploy adequate resources to mitigate the effects of waterlogging.
Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, attending the hearing virtually, acknowledged the ongoing desilting operations, particularly in the majorly affected Defence Colony, and stated that most open drains had been attended to by various departments.
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The court has requested an official affidavit from the Chief Secretary detailing a strategic plan for desilting the entire city, including timelines and regional specifics. “It is critical to know how you plan to manage the desilting process across different areas and the duration it will take,” the bench emphasized.
