NEW DELHI: Delhi High Court on Tuesday suggested the Delhi Jal Board to build reservoirs under parks, roads and places susceptible to water logging to store rainwater, but the DJB informed such storage facilities would not be financially viable.
A bench headed by Justice GS Sistani and Justice Jyoti Singh then told DJP it can use the reservoirs as godowns during non-rainy seasons.
The High Court’s proposition came during a hearing on the issue of water logging in Delhi.
Last week, the bench had asked the Delhi government to “think out of the box” and “act like commandos” to prevent water logging in the national capital during the rainy season.
During the brief hearing on Tuesday, the AAP government told the bench that it has put in place permanent water pumps and supervisors in water logging susceptible areas and carrying out de-silting of drain to avoid water logging.
Delhi government”s additional standing counsel Gautam Narayan told the bench that the DJB has been requested to increase the intake capacity of its storm-water drains.
But DJB told the court it would be difficult to increase the intake capacity of its storm-water drains as in several areas, especially unauthorised colonies, the drains also carry sewage.
It said during heavy rainfall all it can do is open the gates of its drains which would lead to the water, mixed with sewage, flowing into the river undiluted and untreated.
DJB also said that during rains the discharge is so heavy it would be difficult to transfer it into pits for the purpose of rainwater harvesting.
After hearing the authorities, the court listed the matter on August 5.
Last week, the bench had directed the Public Works Department of the Delhi government to be prepared in advance with water pumps to prevent water logging at the susceptible sites, like ITO, already identified by the authority.
The court had also directed the department to ensure all the identified areas are constantly manned and supervised by its officials so that the moment water logging occurs, the authority can swing into action immediately to pump away the water and prevent traffic snarls