NEW DELHI: Extraction of water through illegal borewells is nothing less than a sin, the Delhi High Court has observed while calling for imposition of “some kind of deterrence” on offenders.
The High Court expressed concern that Delhi might face a water crisis similar to Johannesburg, South Africa, where the city experienced severe water shortages.
“Some kind of deterrence needs to be imposed. It is nothing less than a sin the way illegal borewells are reducing the water level. Do you know what happened in Johannesburg? A few years ago the city had no water for several months. They faced a major water crisis. Do you want that situation to come up in Delhi also?” stated a bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela on April 9.
The bench questioned civic authorities regarding their permission for borewells, particularly for construction purposes.
The case originated from a plea by advocate Sunil Kumar Sharma, who reported illegal borewells at a construction site on Goenka Road in Roshanara area, requesting their removal.
The petitioner revealed discrepancies in RTI responses, with MCD reporting six borewells whilst the Daryaganj SDM confirmed three sealed borewells at the site.
The court instructed a joint inspection of the property by senior officials from MCD, DJB and the local SHO.
“Having regard to the ever decreasing water level on account of such illegal activities, we direct a survey be conducted of such building by a team of high ranking officials nominated by the MCD commissioner, Delhi Jal Board CEO respectively and the SHO of police station concerned,” the bench ordered, stipulating a 10-day deadline for report submission.
The court mandated immediate action against any operational illegal borewells discovered during inspection.
Additionally, the survey team must document previously functional illegal borewells, including their quantity and operational duration.
The bench indicated it would consider environmental compensation based on the report’s findings, scheduling the next hearing for July 30.
The petitioner’s plea stated that approximately 100 flats were under construction at the site, with the borewells potentially harming local residents and the environment.
Despite submitting representations to authorities, the petitioner reported no action had been taken.
