Will stop construction in Aerocity: Delhi High Court on water-logging, traffic congestion in Mahipalpur

The Delhi High Court on Friday cautioned that it will direct the stoppage of construction in the Mahipalpur area of Delhi if steps are not taken to resolve the issue of water-logging [Social Jurist Civil Rights Group v. Union of India and Ors].

A Division Bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora stated,

"The development in the Aerocity area and the NHAI highway which has led to this situation of water-logging in Mahipalpur area, ought to have evoked a serious response from the agencies."

Justice Singh cautioned,

"We are putting them to caution today. If they do not take steps and come forward to the court, we will stop construction. Be clear about it. If they want to shirk it, then we will stop construction in Aerocity. We will not hesitate."

The Court was hearing a petition by civil rights group Social Juris seeking construction of a functional storm water drainage system along the stretch of National Highway-48 between Mahipalpur and Rangpuri Village.

On the last date of hearing, the Court had directed the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government to hold a meeting with stakeholders including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Public Works Department.

The Court was informed that a meeting of the concerned officials had taken place. It observed from the minutes of the meeting submitted,

"No responsibility has been fixed as to which job is to be undertaken by which agency. The callous approach of the NHAI is not appreciated in as much as there is no official present before the Court and neither is the counsel prepared to make any substantial submission."

It further stated,

"They have to do it for the people there. The cars have been submerged. Don’t resolve it, we will not hesitate [to stop construction]. If you don't sort it out, there will be stringent action."

Justice Singh urged NHAI and Delhi International Airport Limited to resolve the issue, failing which the Court would have to take stringent action.

"The regular water logging in Mahipalpur area as also the traffic congestion in the said area needs to be resolved by the NHAI and Delhi International Airport Limited on a speedy basis with proper proposal, failing which the court will be constrained to pass some stringent directions," the Court stated.

It directed the Chief Secretary to hold further meetings and place on record a report detailing the proposed action and the agency responsible for the issues.

The report must be submitted by October 15, the Court said.

Further, the Court directed the agencies on whom responsibilities are affixed at the meeting to file their status report stating the steps taken by them before the next date of hearing on October 30.

Standing counsel Sameer Vashisht appeared for the Delhi government.

[Read live reporting]