The Delhi High Court on Tuesday expressed severe dissatisfaction with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding the tragic death of a mother and child in East Delhi’s Ghazipur area. The pair fell into an uncovered drain following heavy rainfall, highlighting significant issues with civic management.
Court’s Strong Reaction
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who presided over the case, indicated that the incident might lead to recommendations for dissolving the MCD due to persistent inefficiencies. They labelled the situation as a result of criminal negligence by the civic authorities, emphasising the need for accountability.
The court has directed the MCD to provide a fresh status report, including photographs, within a week. Additionally, both the Delhi Police and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) have been ordered to submit status reports to ensure a thorough update on the situation from all relevant agencies.
Immediate Actions and Future Steps
The Deputy Commissioner of Shahdara South Zone assured the court that the problematic drain would be cleaned and waste removed immediately. However, the court has not yet determined liability between the DDA and the MCD, leaving this to the ongoing police investigation.
Incident Background
The tragic incident occurred on July 31, when Tanuja (22) and her child, Priyansh (3), from Prakash Nagar Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad, drowned after falling into a waterlogged drain. The plea filed in court highlighted that the DDA’s actions violated its own circular No. 135 from February 26, 1986, which mandates that deep covered drains should not have gaps and manholes should be covered to prevent accidents.
Call for Comprehensive Measures
The petitioner, Jhunnu Lal Srivastava, has urged for an audit of ongoing drain construction projects and flood mitigation measures. The plea also called for immediate policies to address flood-like situations and cover all open drains in Delhi, with proper signage to warn the public.
The court’s scrutiny underscores a broader concern about Delhi’s flood management and the safety of its residents, pointing to systemic issues within the civic management of the city.