AIIMS Sewer Line Details Sought by HC. In a decisive move aimed at resolving the long-standing issue of waterlogging in South Delhi, the Delhi High Court has called for a comprehensive plan to lay a new sewer line across AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). The decision comes as part of a judicial review into repeated complaints of flooding in Green Park Extension and its surrounding localities during monsoon season.
Read Also: AIIMS Online Appointment
Waterlogging Woes in South Delhi-The Need for Urgent Sewer Reforms
Residents of Green Park Extension have been facing severe drainage issues for years. With frequent monsoon flooding posing health and safety risks, the Delhi High Court has stepped in to ensure civic bodies take timely action.
While AIIMS opposed laying a sewer line across its premises, citing that their internal infrastructure is not the problem, the court has sided with key civic agencies like the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Public Works Department (PWD), who maintain that the issue stems from poor regional drainage planning.
Delhi High Court Stand-Public Interest Over Institutional Concerns
In a strong observation, a special bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora emphasized the public importance of laying a sewer line across the AIIMS residential campus. The court stated that while AIIMS’ concerns are valid, public welfare and urban infrastructure needs must take precedence, especially when waterlogging affects thousands of residents.
Highlighted Court Directions
- The DJB and MCD must ensure thorough cleaning and desilting of existing sewer and stormwater lines throughout the monsoon season.
- The sewer line to be laid is only 200 meters in length, with approximately 130 meters passing through AIIMS land.
- A plan must be drawn in consultation with AIIMS, ensuring minimal disruption to its residential community.
- The PWD and NDMC will be included to coordinate civil work and stormwater drainage.
- The plan must include timelines, estimated budget, connection points (from Green Park to Aurobindo Marg), and long-term maintenance strategy.
Environmental Considerations and Tree Uprooting
AIIMS raised an additional concern regarding the potential uprooting of approximately 17 trees located on its campus due to the sewer project. In response, the Delhi High Court directed the inclusion of the Delhi government forest department to review environmental impact and provide guidance on mitigation or replantation.
This inclusion ensures that while development proceeds, ecological balance is also preserved, reflecting a sustainable urban planning approach.
Missing Drainage Along Key Roads
The court noted that no stormwater drainage currently exists on the road connecting Green Park Extension’s main gate to Aurobindo Marg via Yusuf Market. This absence makes it impossible for water to escape, contributing to repeated flooding. The new sewer line project is expected to include provisions to address this critical gap in infrastructure.
What Happens Next?
The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing next month, where it expects a detailed roadmap from the concerned agencies. The proposed plan must include:
- Sewer and stormwater line design
- Cost breakdown and implementation stages
- Environmental approvals
- Coordination strategy with AIIMS to minimize disruption
Moreover, the High Court emphasized the need for transparency, instructing that AIIMS must be involved at every step to avoid unilateral decisions that could affect its operations.
Conclusion
The laying of a new sewer line across AIIMS marks a critical turning point in Delhi’s urban planning, especially in flood-prone zones like Green Park Extension. The Delhi High Court’s proactive intervention has brought together multiple civic agencies to prioritize long-term solutions over bureaucratic delays.
With judicial oversight, environmental safeguards, and collaborative planning, the initiative could set a new precedent for tackling urban infrastructure challenges in India’s growing cities.