Upset with persisting water-logging problems in the Capital, the Delhi High Court came down heavily on civic bodies and directed them to fix responsibilities on officials.
The court directed start of disciplinary action against Deputy Commissioners of the three municipal corporations and superintending engineers of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and the Public Works Department (PWD), if the city drains were found choked again.
The high court also sought an affidavit within four weeks, indicating the role and directions by municipal magistrates.
“Why should people suffer because of your (MCD’s) incompetenceIJ” asked the Division Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice BD Ahmed. “We want action and not mere assurances. Affidavits filed by the parties are not impressive. What about the assurances given to the court by civic and other agencies last time (July 24)IJ” asked the Bench. It was hearing a PIl seeking an end to water-logging problems.
According to the Bench, “MCD Commissioners will fix responsibilities of Deputy Commissioners, in charge of each zone. In case of failure to carry out mandate, the commissioners are to take disciplinary action.” The Bench also asked PWD and DJB to make their superintending engineers accountable and take action.
“Even on Wednesday, there was water-logging in several areas with just a few hours of rain. If posh areas are suffering so much, imagine what other areas are going through. What about the de-silting process and cleaning of storm water drains, which were discussed earlierIJ” the court demanded.
An affidavit submitted by the Delhi Government held various factors responsible. “The drainage infrastructure can bear rainfall up to one inch, whereas this monsoon, the city witnessed rainfall above four inches,” said the affidavit.
Besides, the Government blamed topography and concretisation as main factors for overload in drains.
The affidavit also stated that a master plan on drainage is being worked out.
The court directed the Government to complete 3D mapping for the plan within three months, and sought a DJB survey to find out if there was any mixing of sewerage lines with storm water drains.