Chhattisgarh HC seeks affidavits on drain desilting, monsoon readiness, and water supply
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed the Commissioner, Bilaspur Municipal Corporation, to submit an additional affidavit detailing the progress on desilting and cleaning of 78 drains.
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Simultaneously, the Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Raipur, has been asked to file a personal affidavit addressing monsoon preparedness and water supply issues. These directives were issued during the ongoing hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning civic infrastructure.
During the court proceedings, the counsel representing the Bilaspur civic body stated that a recent news report, which highlighted water scarcity despite pipeline installation in a village, pertained to a rural area.
This area, the counsel clarified, falls outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation, and thus, the Corporation is neither the executing nor the supervisory agency for such rural infrastructure projects.
Yashwant Singh Thakur, Additional Advocate General for the State, informed the court that the Public Health Engineering Department holds jurisdiction over the area in question.
As the PHED was not an initial party to the PIL, the Registry has been instructed to include the Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Raipur, as an additional respondent in the petition.
The Commissioner, Bilaspur Municipal Corporation, has already filed an affidavit outlining monsoon preparedness measures. The affidavit confirms that 137 drains have been identified within the Corporation's limits.
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A comprehensive desilting and cleanliness drive, which began on 1 May 2025, is scheduled to continue until 30 June 2025, to ensure full readiness for the monsoon season.
As per the affidavit, 59 drains have been desilted and cleaned, while work is actively progressing on the remaining 78. For this drive, the Corporation has deployed 8 JCBs, 8 mini Poclain machines, and 2 large Poclain excavators. Additionally, 80 labourers have been mobilised for monsoon preparedness.
A dedicated Flood Control Room is set to become operational from 15 June, providing round-the-clock response to waterlogging incidents across the city.
The Municipal Corporation also clarified that desilting and cleaning operations have commenced with full machinery in Gokane Nala and Yadunandan Nagar Nala. The Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising public health, sanitation, and flood prevention.
The High Court has slated the matter for further monitoring and compliance on 18 July 2025.
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