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The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over the recurring waterlogging on the National Highway-48 stretch between Mahipalpur and Rangpuri Village, observing that the area is of immense significance as it is located near the Indira Gandhi International Airport and serves as the main access route to Gurugram.
Stressing the importance of addressing the issue, the Court directed a high-level, multi-agency exercise to examine the feasibility of constructing a dedicated stormwater drainage system to permanently tackle the problem. A Division Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the directions while hearing a writ petition filed by Social Jurist, a civil rights group, which seeks construction of a functional stormwater drainage system along the NH-48 stretch between Mahipalpur and Rangpuri Village to prevent recurrent flooding during the monsoon. The matter had been received by the Bench on transfer. The Court noted that photographs placed on record vividly demonstrated the extent of waterlogging in the area during the rainy season. The images showed large portions of the highway and adjoining roads submerged under water, severely affecting vehicular movement and public access. Taking note of the photographs, the Bench observed that the issue warranted immediate attention considering the strategic importance of the location. "Considering the importance of the location of this area, i.e., near the airport and being the access road to the Gurugram area, issue notice in this matter to the Respondents," the Court observed while issuing notice to the Union of India and other authorities. To facilitate a coordinated response, the Bench directed that the Special Task Force, constituted in an earlier public interest litigation relating to waterlogging and supervised by the Chief Secretary of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), convene a dedicated meeting exclusively for the NH-48 stretch. The Court said the Task Force should hold consultations with all concerned stakeholders and prepare a comprehensive proposal for addressing the issue. The Court specifically directed the Task Force to interact with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Public Works Department (PWD) and, if necessary, GMR Group, to examine the feasibility of constructing a storm water drain in the area so as to prevent recurring waterlogging. The Bench ordered that the first meeting be held between August 3 and August 7, 2026, adding that multiple meetings may be conducted thereafter if required. It directed that a detailed proposal be finalised and placed before the Court by way of a status report through the counsel for the GNCTD before the next date of hearing. The Registry was further directed to communicate a copy of the order to the office of the Chief Secretary, GNCTD, for necessary information and compliance. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 18, 2026. (ANI)
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