‘You Expect Citizens to Drink Sewage Water?’: Delhi HC Slams DJB Over Contaminated Supply

The Delhi High Court on Friday, July 4, 2025, strongly criticised the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) amid complaints from residents about receiving contaminated drinking water mixed with sewage in East Delhi localities.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Dhruv Gupta.

The PIL raised concerns over the health and safety of residents in Yojana Vihar, Anand Vihar, Jagriti Enclave, and nearby areas in East Delhi, who were allegedly receiving drinking water contaminated with sewage.

During the previous hearing, the Court had directed the Delhi Jal Board to conduct an inspection after reports emerged of several East Delhi areas receiving highly contaminated water. The Court had also asked the DJB counsel to obtain instructions from the relevant authorities and update the Court on the steps taken by Friday.

During the hearing today, DJB’s counsel, while acknowledging the water contamination issues, stated that the water distribution system in Yojana Vihar is approximately 35 years old.

The counsel submitted a proposed action plan timeline, adding that tenders for replacing the pipelines would be invited by July 7. Thereafter, the contract would be awarded by July 17, and the entire replacement work would be carried out within 20 days of awarding the contract.

The Court was also informed that desilting operations are currently underway and are expected to be completed by August.

In light of this, the High Court directed the DJB to complete pipeline replacement in the affected areas by August 2025. It also directed the Board to submit an affidavit with a detailed timeline for the complete replacement of the area’s water distribution network.

The plea before the High Court argued that the citizens’ right to clean drinking water had been seriously violated. The petitioner submitted that the supply of highly contaminated water could result in severe health issues and could also potentially lead to a mass health crisis. 

According to the plea, residents have been receiving contaminated water since June 12. Despite submitting complaints to the authorities, no action was reportedly taken.

The plea also contended that such a supply infringes the citizens’ fundamental right to safe drinking water under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Owing to these concerns, the plea urged the court to issue appropriate directions to the Delhi Government and the DJB to ensure the supply of clean, potable water free from sewage contamination in the affected areas at the earliest.

The matter will be heard next on August 13, 2025.

With PTI inputs