15 hours ago
Sewage flowing through ancient Siri Fort storm water drain concerning: Report
A field assessment report by a Delhi-based non-profit organisation has revealed unauthorised discharge of sewage into an ancient stormwater drain along the August Kranti Marg near Siri Fort, raising concerns about environmental degradation and public health hazards in the heart of South Delhi.
The report has been shared with several offices, including that of the chief secretary, the Delhi Jal Board CEO, the Hauz Khas sub-divisional magistrate, and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The affected channel, originally meant to carry only rainwater, stretches from the Malviya Nagar Assembly constituency to Greater Kailash and passes through densely populated and commercial areas, including Shahpur Jat village.
The report was submitted on June 16 to Mekala Chaitanya Prasad, District Magistrate, South, by student interns from the National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR) in Pune and Chandigarh University, who are currently working with Delhi-based non-profit, Centre for Holistic Development (CHD). Prasad has since been transferred.
It documents how the storm drain has been contaminated by untreated sewage, with photographic evidence showing stagnant, foul-smelling, discoloured water and widespread solid waste accumulation. 'Instead of clear rainwater, the channels are filled with discoloured water, consistent with the appearance of sewage,' the report states. It also points to visible discharge points and smaller outlets feeding into the main channel, indicating the presence of multiple unauthorised connections.
The findings highlight that there is widespread misuse of rainwater infrastructure by nearby residential and commercial units. According to the report, there are four main causes behind the contamination: unregulated sewage connections, poor sewage infrastructure, weak enforcement, and a general lack of public awareness.
'Unregulated or illegal connections from residential and commercial establishments are directly discharging sewage into the rainwater drains, by passing the proper sewage treatment network,' it notes. The report also flags insufficient monitoring by authorities and a failure to penalise illegal practices, which has allowed the situation to persist.
In terms of infrastructure, the report points out that many buildings may not be properly connected to the main sewage system, forcing them to illegally route waste into storm drains. This, combined with poor maintenance and lack of public knowledge about the consequences of such actions, has resulted in a drain that is now a breeding ground for health hazards. 'Stagnant sewage-filled drains become breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes and other insects,' the report warns, citing risks of outbreaks of dengue, malaria, cholera, typhoid, among others.
Beyond health risks, the accumulation of solid waste is also damaging the structural integrity of the drainage system, the report states. With the monsoon approaching, the report warns that such blockages could significantly reduce the drain's capacity, increasing the likelihood of local flooding and waterlogging.
In response, the report recommends urgent and coordinated action by the authorities. It calls for a comprehensive survey of the rainwater drain network to identify and map all unauthorised sewage discharge points. It also stresses the need for strict enforcement, including penalties for violators, and an upgrade of the existing sewage infrastructure to ensure legal and adequate disposal systems.
The team has proposed launching large-scale awareness campaigns to educate the public about the environmental and health consequences of polluting rainwater systems. 'Prompt and decisive action from your esteemed office is crucial to rectify this situation and ensure a healthier, cleaner, and safer environment for the residents of New Delhi,' the students wrote.
