New Delhi: Days after a 15-year-old boy died after falling into an open drain in Jasola while chasing a kite, Delhi High Court has ordered construction of separator walls across stretches of Abu Fazal drain, one of the largest in the city.
HC highlighted that MCD had written to the concerned executive engineer on April 24, May 12 and July 3, seeking the NOC, but no response had been received. DJB informed HC Delhi has 28 upgraded STPs with a combined capacity of 735 MGD, which are fully operational, while nine other STPs are undergoing upgradation and are currently operating at the 30/50 standard, with the work targeted for completion between Dec 2027 and May 2028. Because uP’s irrigation department had not issued an NOC, however, standing counsel Tushar Sannu informed the bench that lights and reflectors had already been installed, but the separator wall had not been constructed.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi Stay updated with the latest Delhi news.
a special bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet P S Arora on Monday expressed “extreme concern” after examining photographs showing Abul Fazal open drain running without adequate protection While examining the waterlogging menace in Okhla area. “The open drain without any separator wall or covering can pose a serious safety hazard for the residents and commuters,” it observed. HC said treated water could get mixed with untreated sewage, and directed that drains for carrying treated water be given “top priority” while planning works for existing and proposed STPs.
Flagging the threat posed by open drains to residents and commuters, HC asked MCD to immediately put slabs covering the drain in Okhla, Shaheen Bagh and Abul Fazal Enclave. In view of the immediate danger posed by open drains, it directed MCD to construct the separator wall without waiting for any further NOC. It also instructed it to undertake continuous desilting of the drain and clean the surrounding area, noting that a large quantity of litter and garbage clogged it. HC also lamented untreated sewage continuing to flow into the Yamuna and noted several gaps in Delhi’s sewage management system that need to be addressed to prevent further pollution of the river. It asked authorities to step up measures for sewage treatment, drainage and redevelopment of industrial areas, stressing that untreated sewage must not directly reach Yamuna. HC also factored in the reports prepared by court-appointed local commissioners that disclosed only some of the sewage was being treated. Download the TOI App.
HC had earlier directed MCD to construct a separator wall between the drain and the road carrying vehicular traffic and install reflectors and lights to make the drain visible to pedestrians and drivers.