The High Court has expressed concern over waterlogging on NH-48 connecting Delhi-Gurugram. The court said that this area near the airport is very important. The court has ordered to explore the possibility of building a dedicated storm water drainage system for a permanent solution.
New Delhi [भारत]July 30 (ANI): The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over the frequent waterlogging between Mahipalpur and Rangpuri villages on National Highway-48. The court said that the area is of utmost importance as it is located near the Indira Gandhi International Airport and serves as the main access road to Gurugram.
Emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue, the Court directed a high-level, multi-agency exercise to examine the feasibility of building a dedicated storm water drainage system to permanently deal with the problem. A division bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the direction while hearing a writ petition filed by a civil rights group called Social Jurists. The petition seeks construction of a functional storm water drainage system on NH-48 between Mahipalpur and Rangpuri village to prevent frequent floods during monsoon. This case was transferred to the bench.
The court said that the photographs placed on record clearly show the magnitude of waterlogging in the area during the rainy season. Pictures showed large sections of the highway and surrounding roads submerged in water, severely affecting vehicular movement and public access. Taking note of the photographs, the bench said that in view of the strategic importance of the place, the issue requires immediate attention.
Issuing notice to the Union of India and other authorities, the court said, “Considering the importance of the location of this area, i.e. being near the airport and being the access road to Gurugram area, notice be issued to the respondents in this case.”
High Court gave important instructions
To facilitate a coordinated response, the bench directed that the Special Task Force, constituted in an old PIL related to waterlogging and monitored by the Chief Secretary of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), convene a dedicated meeting specifically for the NH-48 stretch. The Court said that the task force should consult with all concerned stakeholders and prepare a comprehensive proposal to address the issue.
Instructions given to all these departments
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 construction of storm water drains to prevent frequent waterlogging in the area.
Court set deadline
The bench ordered that the first meeting be held between August 3 and August 7, 2026, and multiple meetings may be held thereafter if necessary. It directed that a detailed proposal be finalized and placed before the Court in the form of a status report through counsel for GNCTD before the next date of hearing. The Registry was further directed to send a copy of this order to the office of the Chief Secretary, GNCTD for necessary information and compliance. The matter has been listed for next hearing on September 18, 2026. (ANI)
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