NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has formed a three-member committee to expedite redevelopment initiatives for industrial regions and ensure effective treatment of wastewater flowing into the Yamuna River.
This action follows the court’s concerns about the ongoing pollution issues, particularly the delays by agencies responsible for managing industrial waste. The committee will include delegates from key organizations, namely the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
During the hearings, the court criticized the government’s inaction and warned of potential adverse rulings against responsible agencies. Last month, senior officials from the Delhi government were called in to clarify why no agency had taken charge of redeveloping critical infrastructure, including sewage systems, stormwater drains, and connections to sewage treatment plants (STPs) and common effluent treatment plants (CETPs).
“The officials are present mainly to assist the court in resolving the situation where agencies refuse to take responsibility for essential infrastructure’s construction, development, and monitoring,” the court stated.
The high court has instructed the DJB and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to produce a joint report detailing actions to address issues raised by a special committee concerning untreated water discharges from STPs into the Yamuna. DSIIDC has been asked to provide information on any CETPs it oversees, measures against untreated wastewater, and whether additional units are required.
The court has also expressed concern over insufficient progress relating to waterlogging in the capital, notably the delays in installing flow meters in 11 of the 37 STPs serving residential areas.
These developments are part of several petitions, including two suo-motu cases, regarding waterlogging, rainwater harvesting, and traffic management in Delhi, especially during the monsoon season.
