Displeasure Over Lack of Progress on Drain Desilting Echoes at National Green Tribunal
The National Green Tribunal has recently expressed its disappointment regarding the lack of progress on the much-needed desilting of drains in Delhi. Despite a joint meeting convened by the chief secretary to address the issue, no significant advancements have been made, leaving the region vulnerable as the monsoon season approaches once again. The uncertainty surrounding the executing agency has further complicated matters, prompting the tribunal to demand the virtual presence of key officials at the next hearing scheduled for April 16.
Residents and various petitions, including one from the Nizamuddin West Residents Welfare Association, have raised concerns about the dire need for remedial measures to tackle the Barapullah and its subsidiary drains. Complaints have surfaced regarding waterlogging in several areas of south Delhi during the monsoon due to the neglect of desilting these crucial drainage systems.
Confusion and Contradictions in Desilting Plans
Following a meeting chaired by the chief secretary on March 7, the National Green Tribunal was informed that the irrigation and flood control department would be responsible for desilting the open portion of 24 drains. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was tasked with desilting the covered portion of the Kushak and Sunehri Pul drains, which run through South Delhi. However, during the most recent hearing on April 9, MCD admitted that dividing the task between agencies had proven to be problematic.
The tribunal noted MCD’s statement that the decision made during the chief secretary’s meeting was deemed “absurd.” This revelation was followed by a clarification that the assertion was made in the capacity of a court officer. The tribunal further highlighted the failure of MCD to receive responses after floating an expression of interest on March 19 for desilting the box portion of the Kushak drain. Justice Prakash Shrivastava, heading the bench, emphasized the need for urgent action, lamenting the lack of progress since the initial meeting in March.
Urgent Calls for Action Ahead of Impending Monsoon
In a poignant plea to the National Green Tribunal, one of the applicants emphasized the imminent arrival of the monsoon season and the dire consequences of inaction. Recalling the hardships faced by residents in the past monsoon due to flooding caused by the lack of desilting, the urgency of the situation was underscored. Despite the joint efforts and meetings led by the chief secretary, the absence of tangible progress has raised concerns about the looming monsoon and the unresolved issues surrounding the executing agency.
Acknowledging the severity of the circumstances and the impending threat posed by the approaching monsoon season, the bench decided to mandate the personal appearance of the MCD commissioner and the virtual presence of the chief secretary at the upcoming hearing. The CEO of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) was also called upon to participate virtually, following concerns raised by an applicant regarding water channels possibly under the jurisdiction of DJB in residential areas.
As the bureaucratic hurdles and administrative challenges continue to impede the crucial desilting efforts in Delhi, the need for swift and effective action has never been more pressing. With the monsoon fast approaching and residents anxiously awaiting relief from the perennial waterlogging issues, the National Green Tribunal’s call for accountability and immediate intervention resonates louder than ever. Only through concerted efforts and a unified approach can the city hope to avert the looming crisis and safeguard its residents from the impending monsoon deluge.
