The Delhi High Court recently took Suo Motu cognizance of traffic jams/snarls in Delhi during monsoons.
The Division Bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh and Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said they came across an article in a newspaper dated 18.06.2022 which talks about lack of rainwater harvesting efforts in Delhi.
According to the Court, the article seems to be suggesting that monsoon rainwater is not harvested properly within the city of Delhi.
In addition, the Court also take note of the fact that due to the monsoon season and otherwise also there are huge traffic snarls in Delhi, which according to the Court, can easily be controlled and regulated instantly through rainwater management as well as with the assistance of Google Maps which shows traffic jams in various parts of Delhi.
While taking the suo motu cognizance, the Bench issued notice to the following Departments:-
(i) Union of India through Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Road Transport.
(ii) Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi
(iii) Delhi Development Authority
(iv) Commissioner, MCD,
(v) Principal Secretary, PWD
(vi) Commissioner of Police
(vii) Spl. C.P. (Traffic)
(viii) Delhi Jal Board
(ix) Delhi Cantonment Board
(x) NDMC
(xi) Flood Irrigation Department.
The Court directed the parties to file status report indicating:-
(a) the steps taken by the agencies to store and harvest rainwater;
(b) the steps undertaken to address and ease traffic jams/snarls in Delhi during monsoons and other periods.
The matter is listed on July 4, 2022 for further hearing.