The Delhi High Court took cognizance of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s ongoing financial strain while hearing a petition highlighting severe drainage and flooding problems in Maharani Bagh. The Bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora noted that lack of funds had become a primary hindrance in covering the third chamber of the drain and installing barricades, works that were earlier expected to be completed by November 30.
The Court underscored that the exposed drain runs across the entire residential locality, posing imminent risk to residents, including children and the elderly. Observing the urgency of the situation, the Bench recorded that funds of approximately ₹1–1.5 crore have now been arranged by the Municipal Commissioner Ashwani Kumar, who joined the proceedings virtually and assured that the tender process would be initiated immediately and completion targeted within three months.
However, disapproving the pace of progress, the Court remarked that the administration appears to require judicial prompting at every stage and stressed that the financial crunch cannot indefinitely delay essential public-safety measures. To address the monetary deficit, the Court directed that the Commissioner of MCD and the Chief Secretary of GNCTD convene a meeting to evaluate and resolve the funding gap. A compliance report on whether the tender has been floated is to be placed before the Court on December 19.
During the hearing, counsel representing the Maharani Bagh Cooperative Society submitted that despite repeated follow-ups, the corporation has been citing budget shortage, resulting in unbearable stench and degraded living conditions in what was once considered a premium neighbourhood. The counsel noted that residents continue to bear tax burdens while civic infrastructure deteriorates into what was described as an “A-class slum.”
The Court also reviewed the status of the proposed Fixed Compactor Transfer Station, intended for efficient waste collection and transport. Objections were raised by the Delhi Jal Board citing the presence of major pipelines at the designated location. Expressing displeasure, the Bench observed that the DJB had participated in previous hearings without raising this issue and held that both MCD and DJB must cooperate to protect the pipeline while ensuring progress of the project. The MCD has been directed to continue work and file an updated status report.
The matter will now be taken up on January 30, 2026.
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