Water Minister Atishi sent complaints pertaining to DJB, from 42 MLAs to the Chief Secretary. She issued an ultimatum to the Chief Secretary, directing the resolution of all issues related to the Delhi Jal Board by March 15.
It is to be noted that legislators in Delhi had submitted their complaints to the Assembly Speaker regarding severe problems such as sewer overflow, contaminated water, and pipeline leaks. These issues were not being addressed by Jal Board officials. The problems were so alarming that discussions scheduled for March 9 under Rule 280 had to be canceled, to focus on discussions related to the Delhi Jal Board issues.
A few days ago, Water Minister Atishi had sent 80 complaints related to the Jal Board to the Chief Secretary. Today, in light of all these complaints, Minister Atishi has directed the Chief Secretary, stating that he must ensure the resolution of all submitted complaints by March 15, 2024. Additionally, she emphasized the need for long-term solutions to be guaranteed.
Water Minister Atishi, while giving instructions, stated that the Chief Secretary should send progress reports on the resolution of these complaints to the Water Minister every evening by 6:00 PM. Additionally, by March 14, the Chief Secretary should submit a detailed progress report on all these issues to the Water Minister for presentation in the Legislative Assembly session on March 15. Ms Atishi also directed the Chief Secretary to be personally present at the special session of the Assembly on March 15.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, the Water Minister stated that during the Delhi Legislative Assembly’s budget session, issues related to sewer overflow, contaminated water, and pipeline leaks were repeatedly raised by legislators. On March 9, 2024, several legislators also sent their complaints to the Honorable Assembly Speaker. The situation in Delhi has become so critical regarding these issues that the Honourable Assembly Speaker canceled discussion under Rule 280, allowing for focused deliberations on matters related to the Delhi Water Board. The problems of water pollution and sewer overflow in Delhi have become so severe that people are compelled to endure distressing conditions.
In light of these concerns, the Delhi Legislative Assembly passed a resolution (enclosed). As per this resolution:-
-> The Chief Secretary is personally responsible for the resolution of public grievances raised by MLAs related to water and sewerage issues.
-> Chief Secretary must resolve all the grievances within one week. During this week, the Chief Secretary has to give a daily report to the Minister (Water).
-> Session of the Assembly has been called on 15.03.2024, specifically for this purpose where the Chief Secretary has to remain personally present.
-> Grievances of 42 MLAs are enclosed with this note. In addition, I have also sent 80 complaints on 08.03.2024.
In light of the above, the Water minister directed the Chief Secretary to:
-> Resolve all aforementioned complaints by 15.03.2024, as well as to ensure that long-term solutions are initiated by then.
-> Send reports by 6.00 PM every day to the undersigned regarding the progress on resolving these grievances.
-> Provide a detailed report to the undersigned by 14.03.2024 for presenting before the Assembly on 15.03.2024.
-> Remain personally present in the Assembly on 15.03.2024.
It is to be noted that, according to the Honorable Supreme Court, while the Chief Secretary is appointed by the central government, he should adhere to the directions of the elected government on matters falling within their executive competence.
In light of this, the Water Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary to follow the directions of the elected government in the national capital.
