The Delhi High Court on Friday came down heavily on the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for supplying contaminated water to residents in East Delhi, questioning how the authorities could expect citizens to consume “sewage mixed water”.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal made the sharp remark while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Dhruv Gupta. The PIL alleged that residents of Yojana Vihar, Anand Vihar, Jagriti Enclave, and nearby localities were receiving highly contaminated potable water through household taps, containing traces of sewage.
“Unless someone knocks on the doors of the court, you yourself can’t act? You are asking citizens of this city to drink sewage mixed water?” the bench asked, expressing serious concern over the state of basic civic services.
Earlier, on July 2, the High Court had directed the DJB to inspect the areas mentioned in the petition. On Friday, the DJB submitted a status report acknowledging that the water pipelines in the Yojana Vihar area were installed 35 years ago, far exceeding their operational lifespan. The agency admitted that these outdated and damaged pipelines were responsible for contamination and required immediate replacement.
The DJB informed the court that a tender for pipeline replacement would be floated by July 7 and the contract awarded by July 17, with the work slated to be completed within 20 days from the date of the contract. However, the court extended the outer limit and directed that the entire work be completed “in any case” by August 2025. It also warned that any failure would be “viewed seriously”.
On the issue of sewage treatment, the DJB said desilting work was underway and expected to be completed by August. It also assured the court that the replacement of the entire water distribution network in the affected area would be prioritized, depending on the availability of funds.
Additionally, the bench directed the DJB to file an affidavit detailing the complete timeline for replacing the entire water network. The court also asked the agency to curb the use of illegal booster pumps during non-supply hours, directing strict action against violators.
The matter will be heard next on August 13.
The PIL highlighted the severe public health risk posed by the contaminated water and urged the court to intervene, citing the failure of civic authorities to act proactively.
