Delhi High Court takes suo motu cognisance of lack of rainwater harvesting in capital, traffic jams during monsoons

The Delhi High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of lack of rainwater harvesting in the national capital and the traffic snarls due to water-logging on roads during monsoon [Court on its own motion v GNCTD and Ors].

A Division Bench of Justices Jasmeet Singh and Dinesh Kumar Sharma issued notice to Central government, Delhi government, Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Police and other authorities directing them to file their status reports on the issue.

The authorities have to explain the steps taken by them to store and harvest rainwater and ease traffic jams in the city during monsoons.

The Court will now consider the matter on July 4.

The judges took up the issue based on a report in The Times of India.

The article suggested that monsoon rain water is not harvested properly in Delhi.

"In addition, we also take notice of the fact that due to the monsoon season and otherwise also there are huge traffic snarls in Delhi which according to us can easily be controlled and regulated instantly through rain water management as well as with the assistance of Google. Maps which shows traffic jams in various parts of Delhi. We take suo moto cognizance since it is a matter of public importance," the court said in its order.

Additional Standing Counsel Anuj Aggarwal and advocate Ayushi Bansal appeared for GNCTD, PWD, Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police and Flood & Irrigation Department.

Advocates Vikrant N Goyal and Tarveen Singh Nanda appeared for the Delhi Cantonment Board.

[Read Order]