Delhi High Court Directs To Lay Down New Sewer Line Across AIIMS Residential Campus To Address Waterlogging Issue
The Delhi High Court issued directions for laying down new sewer lines in AIIMS Residential Campus to control the waterlogging issues due to heavy rainfall in Green Park Extension and other surrounding areas.
A Petition was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India relates to the waterlogging problem in Green Park Extension and surrounding areas.
The Division Bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora observed, “In view of the above circumstances, the Court does not doubt the necessity of laying sewerline across the AIIMS premises to prevent waterlogging in the concerned areas. Further considering the required extent of land and the overarching public interest involved, the Court is clear that the new sewer line is required to be laid across AIIMS Residential complex.”
Advocates Rajbala, Sangeeta Bharti, Harish Pathak appeared for Respondents.
Case Brief
A Writ Petition was filed regarding the issue of waterlogging in Green Park Extension and surrounding areas.
A proposal of laying a sewer line across the AIIMS premises were made to control the waterlogging issues, however, it was opposed by AIIMS stating that the waterlogging in the concerned area is not attributable to any inadequacy in the existing sewer infrastructure. Instead, it was submitted that the primary cause of waterlogging in the concerned areas is the ineffective functioning of the rainwater drainage system.
As per the status report of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the existing sewer line was old and insufficient to take the load during the rainy season and the same needs to be replaced and a new sewer line would now need to be laid across the AIIMS.
Court’s Reasoning
The Delhi High Court issued following directions to NDMC, DJB, AIIMS and PWD:
1. DJB and MCD shall ensure the complete de-silting and cleaning of both the sewer line and the storm water drain on a regular basis so as to prevent any water logging in the concerned areas.
2. A meeting shall be held by the Chief Engineer, DJB with AIIMS, MCD, NDMC, PWD, Forest Department, Delhi.
3. Put up a report on the plan for laying of the sewer line and storm water drain in consultation with above mentioned authorities. The report shall cover the following aspects: designing of sewer lines, timelines for the same, budget, timeline for calling of tender, maintenance of sewer line.
4. DJB shall inform the Court about the position of waterlogging in the Green Park Extension area during the current monsoon season.
The Court put special emphasis on the fact that the said report shall be prepared in close coordination with the AIIMS so that least disturbance is caused to the residents within the AIIMS residential campus during the laying of the sewer line.
Accordingly, the matter is put for next date of hearing on July 28, 2025.
Cause Title: Shailendra Bhatnagar V. Govt of NCT, Delhi & Ors.
Appearance:
Petitioner: Petitioner in Person
Respondents: Advocates Rajbala and Tushar Sannu for NDMC
Advocate Sangeeta Bharti for DJB
Advocates Harshit Pathak, Mohit Choubey for AIIMS
