New Delhi, 3 November (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has taken strong exception to the lack of basic facilities in 27 of the city's industrial areas, summoning the Delhi government's Chief Secretary to appear on November 22. A bench led by Justice Pratibha Singh issued the order while hearing a case it had taken up on its own initiative regarding industrial redevelopment and pollution management in Delhi.

The court noted that despite a cabinet decision in August 2023, redevelopment work in these industrial zones has not progressed. It highlighted a lack of clarity regarding which authority is responsible for establishing essential sewage and drainage systems.

The situation is quite serious, the court observed, pointing to the risk of groundwater contamination and the discharge of untreated water into the Yamuna River as industries operate without proper sewage treatment infrastructure.

In addition to Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma, the court has summoned several other senior officials to appear. These include Additional Chief Secretary (Industry) Bipul Pathak, DSIIDC Managing Director Najuk Kumar, Delhi Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Kumar, and Delhi Pollution Control Committee Secretary Sandeep Mishra.

The court has directed these officials to hold a joint meeting on November 10 to formulate a plan of action. They are required to submit an affidavit by November 15 detailing the steps they intend to take to improve the situation.

Representatives from three consulting agencies—M/s Creative Circle, M/s SABS Architects & Engineers Pvt. Ltd., and M/s Square Designs—have also been ordered to be present at the next hearing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar