The Delhi High Court has taken a tough stance on the ongoing drainage crisis in Fatehpur Beri, South Delhi. Even after two and a half years since the initial orders, the administration has failed to provide a proper outlet for the local drain. The court has now issued a notice to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Saket, treating the delay as contempt of court, and has demanded a status report by February 20.
How is this affecting the local residents?
The situation on the ground has become hazardous for the people living in Fatehpur Beri and surrounding colonies. A 20-foot wide and 5-kilometer long drain, which carries sewage and rainwater from Bhati Mines and Asola, ends abruptly in Valmiki Basti without any exit point. This has led to massive waterlogging in the area.
As a result, dirty water has been stagnant on approximately 70 acres of agricultural land for decades. This has contaminated the groundwater, making handpump and borewell water poisonous. Currently, nearly 1 lakh people are facing severe health risks due to this negligence.
What are the court’s directions?
The High Court had previously ordered on August 4, 2023, that the drain’s exit must be identified and operationalized immediately. However, the Revenue and Irrigation departments failed to demarcate the land or construct the necessary Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
The court has now warned of strict action if a concrete plan is not submitted. The petitioner has suggested extending the drain by 3.5 kilometers to Jaunapur Mandi and building an STP to treat the water before releasing it, a solution that officials say will be implemented soon.
