Inaction on sewer overflow issue in Capital unacceptable, Atishi tells Chief Secretary

Calling the inaction “unacceptable”, Atishi was further quoted as saying, "The Chief Secretary is the head of the bureaucracy.

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Water Minister Atishi. (File Photo)

In a strongly worded letter, Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Saturday asked Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to resolve the problems related to sewer overflow in the Capital at the earliest. Blaming Kumar for inaction over complaints, which are “very serious in nature”, a statement issued by her office read — “It is to be noted that the Water Minister has — on numerous occasions — verbally, and in writing, given instructions to the Chief Secretary to resolve this issue before it becomes unmanageable, however, no action has been taken.”

Calling the inaction “unacceptable”, Atishi was further quoted as saying, “The Chief Secretary is the head of the bureaucracy. As the head, it is your responsibility to sort and settle issues so that the people do not face the brunt of laxity of government officials.”

No immediate reaction was available from Kumar on the matter.

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“The Urban Development Department, Delhi Jal Board, and the Finance Department are indulging in blame game instead of resolving the issue. As a result of this, people of Delhi are affected badly,” the statement from the office of the Water Minister further read. Atishi has instructed the Chief Secretary to take strict action against “negligent officials who have enabled the crisis”.

The sewer water is contaminating drinking water in many parts of Delhi and it could become a serious public health crisis if not attended to immediately, stated the Minister.

Calling the complaints to be “very serious in nature and worsening by the day”, the Minister alleged that even as specific complaints with locations were forwarded to officials concerned during multiple review meetings, there has been no progress because of a lack of on-ground coordination between the different departments.

Among the worst affected areas are said to be Patparganj village, Shashi Garden, Khichripur, Subhash Park, Raj Nagar Part 2, Satya Niketan, RK Puram, Z block Ranjeet Nagar, Faridpuri, Budh Nagar, Pandav Nagar, WEA Karol Bagh, Garhi Village, Pillanji Village, Chandrawal Village, Kotla Village, Sarai Kale Khan Basti, Zamrudpur and Chirag Dilli.

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Meanwhile, an official from the Delhi Jal Board denied the allegations and said that the necessary work needed to resolve the problems related to sewer overflow is already ongoing. “When there is a shortage of funds how can there be progress? Still, work is ongoing with what is available. Everybody has piled up files for us but only when funds are released can we do any work as required, right?” added the official

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