Inspect areas where drinking water is polluted: HC to DJB

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to conduct inspections in parts of East Delhi after a plea was filed alleging that residents of the area were receiving highly contaminated potable water. The agency was also instructed to apprise the court about the issue on Friday.

“Look at the colour of the water which they are getting, we direct the appropriate authority of DJB to conduct physical inspection, prepare a report and submit it before the court,” the court said, adding that any fault found during inspections should be “immediately rectified”.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Dhruv Gupta, an advocate, submitting that the health and safety of the residents of Yojana Vihar, Anand Vihar, Jagriti Enclave and other adjacent areas in east Delhi are at “great risk” due to the potable water supply mixed with sewage. The petitioner also contended that citizens’ right to clean drinking water has been “gravely violated”.

‘No action taken’

The plea said residents have been getting contaminated water in their taps since June 12, and complaints were submitted to the authorities, but “no action was taken”.

The plea urged the court to direct the authorities to ensure that there is no mixing of the potable drinking water with the sewage material.