Delhi High Court Forms Committee to Improve City’s Infrastructure

The Delhi High Court has taken significant steps to address the city’s infrastructure issues. On Friday, a committee was formed, led by the Chief Secretary of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). This committee includes the Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Chairman of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Commissioner of Police. They have been tasked with reviewing Delhi’s administrative, financial, and physical infrastructure and must file a report within eight weeks.

The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, expressed concerns about the lack of cabinet meetings in recent months, which has delayed new projects. The court emphasized the need for a change in the mindset of Delhi’s administrators, particularly regarding the perception that everything can be provided for free.

The court criticized the current administrative situation, noting that multiple authorities are shifting responsibility instead of addressing issues effectively. It highlighted that Delhi’s civic agencies lack the necessary funds for major infrastructure projects and that much of the city’s physical infrastructure, such as drains, is outdated and poorly maintained.

On April 8, the court had directed that no single agency should be solely responsible for controlling storm water drains to ensure more efficient problem resolution. Additionally, a third-party audit was ordered to review the situation. The court noted that with Delhi’s population exceeding 3 crores, the city requires a more robust financial and administrative infrastructure.

The court also directed the MCD Commissioner to ensure that drains are functional and to increase their capacity if needed. It ordered the immediate removal of encroachments and illegal constructions, including those on storm water drains. The court expressed disappointment with the ongoing chaos and directed the Delhi government counsel to provide details on the date of the last Cabinet meeting and the schedule for the next one.

In a related matter, the court transferred the investigation of the deaths of three UPSC aspirants in Old Rajinder Nagar to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing the seriousness of the incidents and potential corruption by public servants. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was directed to nominate a senior officer to oversee the CBI probe.

Protests outside coaching institutes in Rajinder Nagar continued for the sixth day after the deaths of the UPSC aspirants in a flooding incident. The court criticized the Delhi Police for not summoning MCD officials for questioning and for failing to investigate the source of the water entering the basement, instead arresting a driver.

The court highlighted that water issues affect everyone, including private residences, and noted that even the Yamuna River is encroached upon. It warned that water does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of address, and cautioned that if the current situation persists, such tragedies may recur every monsoon.