Delhi’s Sewer Crisis: Atishi’s Directives to IAS Officers

Delhi Water Minister Atishi has instructed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to ensure senior IAS officers address the sewer overflow issues in the capital. This follows a directive from Lt Governor VK Saxena for a monthly report on the inspections. Atishi emphasized the urgency of resolving this potential public health crisis.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Monday instructed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to mobilize senior IAS officers to tackle the capital's sewer overflow problems.

Earlier, Lt Governor VK Saxena had directed Kumar to compile a monthly report on inspections by senior officers in response to civic infrastructure failures during the monsoon season.

Saxena's principal secretary, Ashish Kundra, noted that the governor recommended institutionalizing regular inspections by officials responsible for respective facilities.

Atishi's note to Kumar highlighted numerous complaints about sewer overflow causing possible contamination of drinking water, raising the risk of a public health crisis.

She termed the sewer overflow a man-made calamity, necessitating urgent governmental response to avert a health disaster.

Atishi instructed Kumar to delegate responsibilities to senior IAS officers for each of the 11 Delhi Jal Board circles, ensuring field teams address both short-term and long-term solutions.

Kumar will oversee these teams and submit biweekly reports on their progress to Atishi.

(With inputs from agencies.)