New Delhi: Days after a 15-year-old boy died after falling into an open drain in Jasola while chasing a kite, Delhi High Court has ordered construction of separator walls across stretches of Abu Fazal drain, one of the largest in the city.Flagging the threat posed by open drains to residents and commuters, HC asked MCD to immediately put slabs covering the drain in Okhla, Shaheen Bagh and Abul Fazal Enclave.While examining the waterlogging menace in Okhla area, a special bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet P S Arora on Monday expressed “extreme concern” after examining photographs showing Abul Fazal open drain running without adequate protection. “The open drain without any separator wall or covering can pose a serious safety hazard for the residents and commuters,” it observed.HC had earlier directed MCD to construct a separator wall between the drain and the road carrying vehicular traffic and install reflectors and lights to make the drain visible to pedestrians and drivers. However, standing counsel Tushar Sannu informed the bench that lights and reflectors had already been installed, but the separator wall had not been constructed because UP’s irrigation department had not issued an NOC.HC highlighted that MCD had written to the concerned executive engineer on April 24, May 12 and July 3, seeking the NOC, but no response had been received. In view of the immediate danger posed by open drains, it directed MCD to construct the separator wall without waiting for any further NOC. It also instructed it to undertake continuous desilting of the drain and clean the surrounding area, noting that a large quantity of litter and garbage clogged it.HC also lamented untreated sewage continuing to flow into the Yamuna and noted several gaps in Delhi’s sewage management system that need to be addressed to prevent further pollution of the river. It asked authorities to step up measures for sewage treatment, drainage and redevelopment of industrial areas, stressing that untreated sewage must not directly reach Yamuna. HC also factored in the reports prepared by court-appointed local commissioners that disclosed only some of the sewage was being treated.DJB informed HC Delhi has 28 upgraded STPs with a combined capacity of 735 MGD, which are fully operational, while nine other STPs are undergoing upgradation and are currently operating at the 30/50 standard, with the work targeted for completion between Dec 2027 and May 2028.HC said treated water could get mixed with untreated sewage, and directed that drains for carrying treated water be given “top priority” while planning works for existing and proposed STPs.
