Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Delhi High Court has set up a panel to investigate if a substantial portion of water is bypassing the newly installed flow meters and sensors in 25 sewage treatment plantsmeant to monitor pollution in the Yamuna.A special bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora said the “entire purpose of STPs would be defeated if the water/sewage is permitted to bypass the flow meters and the sensors at the outlet”.Ordering a team of officials, lawyers and petitioners to inspect each of the flow meters, the high court expressed its opinion that “since 35 out of the 37 STPs are now stated to be having flow meters and are part of an online monitoring system with the sensors, the same deserve to be inspected to get the actual position from the ground”.The court, which was hearing a suo motu matter relating to waterlogging in the city, tasked the panel with conducting on-site inspections of all STPs and to give a report if the entire sewage/water flowing into the Yamuna through the STPs is being treated before being released into the river. “Whether there are flow meters and sensors on all the outlets of the 35 STPs; whether the entire discharge which is going through the inlet is passing through the flow meters/online monitoring or is there any bypassing of the same; what is the function of the online monitoring system in supervising the treatment process in the STPs and whether it is effective,” it added.The high court specified that the committee, after inspection, would also recommend if flow meters would be required even at the inlets as well and if it would be feasible. In further directions, the court ordered Delhi Jal Board to furnishwater treatment reportsfrom all 37 STPs from April 20, 2025, including details of the extent/quantum of sewage inflow, outflow of treated water, as well as the quality of water before and after treatment.Meanwhile, the court asked AIIMS to cooperate with DJB and other agencies in laying down a new sewer line on its premises. “In this court’s opinion, in order to enable the flow of water and avoid waterlogging, the connection between Green Park Extension and SDA Extension and Hauz Khas is essential.The court is clear as to the effect that refusing to lay a sewer line is not an option exercisable by AIIMS in view of the larger public interest involved, as colonies nearby cannot be allowed to be flooded—causing harm and danger to lives and property,” it observed.
Mayank Rawat
