By Admin 
Delhi High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the negligence being done regarding the repair and safety of drains in Delhi. The court clearly said that this is not just an administrative issue, but a matter related to people’s lives. The court reprimanded both MCD and Delhi Jal Board and directed them to take immediate action.
During the hearing, the court was told that MCD does not have enough money for essential works like covering the flood chamber, installing barricades along the drains and preventing waterlogging. On this, the High Court directed the Delhi Government to immediately investigate the financial condition of the corporation.
MCD Commissioner Ashwini Kumar told the court that the corporation is going through a serious financial crisis and it is becoming difficult to implement many of the court’s instructions.
The matter is actually related to the suo motu cognizance which was taken on waterlogging in a residential colony in Delhi. The court was told that as per earlier instructions, porous drains have been made so that water does not stagnate, but the work of barricading has stopped due to lack of budget.
MCD Commissioner said that Rs 1 to 1.5 crore is required for covering the drains and barricading. The corporation has liabilities of about Rs 15,791 crore. The Finance Commission has not even been constituted. MCD says that it is trying to raise resources at its level, but the economic situation is very bad.
High Court made strict remarks
Expressing concern over the arguments of MCD, the court said that this situation directly impacts the safety of children, elderly and common people. Justice Prabhat M. Singh said during the hearing that you have to hold your hand at every step, it is very difficult. The court issued a tender and ordered to complete the work of covering the drain and barricading within three months.
Delhi Jal Board also fell under attack
Delhi Jal Board (DJB) also got reprimanded in the hearing. The court said that DJB did not raise objection in time, and is now bringing to light the existence of two big pipelines at the site of reconstruction of the drain.
The court directed that MCD and DJB should work together. Find solutions instead of blaming each other. The court made it clear that such disputes halt work and cause harm to the public. The High Court has fixed the next hearing of the case for December 19 and expressed hope that by then both MCD and Delhi Jal Board will show concrete progress.