Stormwater Drain Coveringat A1/A2 Blocks: A Health Necessity or an Environmental Stand-off?

In Delhi, a city grappling with severe air pollution and rising health issues, residents face a multitude of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. For the citizens in A1 and A2 blocks, however, the hardships go beyond air quality. These residents live near a massive open stormwater drain—or “nallah”—that emits a constant stench and is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other vectors, exacerbating the health risks. A persistent effort led by the late Mr. Kaushal and his team of residents and activists initially led to an order to cover this drain and transform it into a green space, but their progress was abruptly halted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), leaving the project incomplete and local residents in distress. The case presents a classic struggle between public health concerns and environmental policies. The residents had celebrated when the local authorities agreed to cover the drain, reducing exposure to polluted air and disease-carrying insects. This project was meant to improve health, create a green zone, and uplift the neighborhood. Supported by ex-MLA Prof. Walia, ex-counsellor Shailendra Singh Monty, and a coalition of residents, the initial work began with high hopes. Yet, the victory was short-lived, as the NGT intervened with an interim order on January 13, 2015, putting a halt to the covering operation. The National Green Tribunal, known for its strict stance on preserving ecological balance, cited several reasons for stopping the project. According to the NGT order, open drains play essential roles in urban ecosystems, such as: 1. Groundwater Recharge: Open drains help replenish groundwater levels, a crucial benefit in water-stressed areas like Delhi. 2. Green Corridors: They can serve as “greenways” when properly maintained, adding to the city’s diminishing green cover. 3. Oxygenated Flow: Open drains allow for natural oxygenation, which keeps the water relatively clean before it flows into larger water bodies. While the NGT’s ecological concerns are valid, they overlook the stark health issues facing the residents. The open drain is far from a natural greenway; instead, it serves as an open sewer, releasing toxic fumes and hosting a range of vector-borne diseases. The residents argue that this drain, in its current state, does not serve as a recharge channel or as an oxygenated waterway but rather as a hazard to public health. Possible Solutions: A Middle Ground The residents and activists are now exploring ways to address the NGT’s concerns without compromising on public health. Several proposals are being discussed to satisfy both environmental and health requirements: 1. Elevated Green Belt Covering: Instead of completely covering the drain, the residents propose creating a green belt on elevated pillars above the drain. This approach would help mitigate the stench and reduce health risks while retaining the environmental benefits of an open channel. 2. Deep-Well Rainwater Recharge Systems: Installing rainwater recharge wells every 30 feet along the drain could address the NGT’s concern about groundwater recharge. This method has proven effective in other Indian cities like Chennai and Goa, where similar structures were implemented to balance urban water management with environmental needs. 3. Reclassification as Sewer: Residents argue that the nallah, which functions as an open sewer, should be treated as such and fully covered if the proposed modifications cannot meet the NGT’s environmental standards. They suggest that if the drain cannot serve its ecological purpose, it should instead be a covered sewer for public health. The Way Forward Local leaders and elected representatives need to advocate for the residents of A1 and A2 blocks. The public health risks posed by this open drain are severe, and a practical solution is urgently required. The ongoing health toll demands that the authorities treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, balancing the NGT’s ecological focus with a proactive response to the residents’ health concerns. The RWAs Coordination Committee are expected to call a meeting soon to discuss the matter and consider escalating the issue further. Residents are hopeful that if their voices reach the right ears, a feasible solution that satisfies both health and environmental concerns can be achieved.