What does it take to give them drinking water? Delhi High Court on lack of facilities in Mundka

The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned the lack of supply of drinking water in Mundka industrial area in national capital [Court on its own Motion Vs Union of India & Ors]. 

The Division Bench of Justice Prathiba Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora was hearing the case concerning the issue of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and cleaning of the Yamuna river. 

The Court was told that in the Mundka industrial area, there is no drinking water, storm water drain or STP and that private pumps are engaged to remove sewer.

On hearing the submission, Justice Singh said,

“This is the problem, the mutual problem lies there, then they dump it in outskirts and burn it. What does it take to give them drinking water?”

The Court had earlier directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) place on record a comprehensive action plan in respect of all the 37 STPs in Delhi.

The Court had also ordered Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) to convene a meeting and file report in respect of the industrial plots and industries in the Bawana and Narela industrial areas.

It was later informed that there are 27 non-conforming industrial areas in Delhi. DSIIDC is in the process of re-developing these areas. Three consultant architect agencies have been given the task to conduct surveys and prepare re-development plans. All the layout plans are being examined jointly by DSIIDC, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA). 

The Court was informed today that a Memorandum of Understanding with DSIIDC has been signed by the industrial areas and the survey work is being undertaken.

Regarding disbursement of funds, the Court noted that the DSIIDC is to pay the entire amount from its own funds to MCD. 

“As per the above minutes, the DSIIDC is to pay the entire amount from its own funds to MCD for processing of the plans. The release of funds shall not be stopped for signing. The areas shall sign the plans. The associations are free to give their inputs to the authorities,” the Court directed. 

The matter will be heard again on December 19.

On that date, the Court will also hear the Local Commissioner Vrinda Bhandari on the aspect of how water pollution is one of the contributing factors for air pollution in the city.

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