'Apathy', Poor Coordination Among Civic Agencies Worsening Delhi Flooding: High Court Urges Govt To Consider Centralised Flood Management

Observing that there is an "enormous confusion" between the civic agencies, the Delhi High Court has directed the concerned senior functionaries of the Delhi Government to take a decision on some centralisation of administration and management of the flooding in the national capital.

A division bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora observed that there was complete apathy which exists across Delhi in respect of the effective functioning of essential civic services and utilities, such as drainage systems.

“With the experience of dealing with these matters concerning waterlogging in Delhi, this Court is of the opinion that the apathy stems from the involvement of multiple agencies which are functioning without effective coordination...The said agencies include the MCD, PWD, DJB, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, DDA, etc. Between these agencies, there is enormous confusion that is caused due to improper delineation of responsibilities leading to them `passing the buck' on most occasions,” the Court said.

The Bench however said that the blame does not lie solely with the Delhi Government and that in most colonies, the stormwater drains are also blocked by the residents themselves, who construct cement pathways on top of the drains which leads to said drains being perpetually clogged.

“In this view of the matter, the Court deems it appropriate to observe that the time has come for the Delhi Government to take a comprehensive decision as to the manner in which civic services in Delhi need to be managed and administered for better efficiency,” the Court said.

“This order shall be placed before the Chief Secretary, Delhi Government, for being placed before the concerned senior functionaries of the Government to take a decision on some centralisation of administration and management of the flooding in Delhi. If required, the matter may even be placed before the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor/ Administrator for Delhi,” it added.

The matter will now be heard on August 19.

The Court was dealing with a plea concerning the issue of water-logging in and around the Tamoor Nagar drain, which is adjacent to Maharani Bagh colony.

An application was filed by fourteen families claiming to be residing in jhuggis in the area, seeking rehabilitation or suitable alternate accommodation before the Special Task Force, empowered by the Court from expansion of the drain, removes any encroachment.

Title: MAHARANI BAGH CO-OPERATIVE HOUSE BUILDING AND WELFARE SOCIETY LTD., & ANR v. UNION OF INDIA& ORS

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 904

Click here to read order