DJB tells NGT Kirari flooding not its fault, blames drainage gaps

The Story in Brief

Delhi Jal Board has told the National Green Tribunal that waterlogging in northwest Delhi's Kirari is not its fault. In a report dated August 11, DJB blamed blocked natural drainage channels, lack of stormwater infrastructure, and Delhi Development Authority filling low-lying areas without drainage arrangements. Over 100 unauthorised colonies in Kirari have no proper sewerage or stormwater networks in place.

DJB claimed it had laid a sewage network in Sharma Colony but could not operationalise it without a trunk sewer. The board said the trunk sewer being built is due to feed into a wastewater pumping station that is 98% complete. Six projects are underway to mitigate flooding, including side drains and a DDA drain. NGT took suo motu cognisance of media reports on the issue in January.