HC raps PWD, directs it to clear debris from Kushak nallah

The Delhi High Court today rapped the Public Works Department (PWD) of AAP government for not cleaning the construction debris from Kushak nallah adjoining South Extension-I and directed the civic body to complete the work within three weeks.
A bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Ashutosh Kumar did not approve of the conduct of PWD's lawyer Peeyoosh Kalra, who according to a court-appointed local commissioner (LC) told her from day one to make a fair report.
She also alleged that Kalra as well as officials of PWD questioned the reason behind her presence in the court on last date of hearing, July 20, when she was appointed as LC.

"You (Kalra) are being totally unfair. It is not proper on your part just because she projected the reality," the bench said.
The court also asked Kalra whether he was satisfied with the current state of the drain and said if he was saying that it was fine, "our estimation of your standards will change".
The court also remarked that PWD does not do its job and feels hurt or upset when they are pulled up for it.

Citing Archimedes principle, the court told the PWD counsel that if the civic body puts pillars and debris into the nallah then it is "simple logic" that the water would be displaced to either side.

Meanwhile, advocate Ajay Arora, appearing for south Delhi municipal corporation, told the court that PWD was to carry out desilting of the drain regularly and not after completion of its Barapullah project.
The court, thereafter, directed PWD to immediately remove all construction rubble from the nallah, saying "This would ensure there is no obstruction in flow of water and would avoid waterlogging in South Extension-I."
The court was hearing a PIL relating to waterlogging in South Extension-I, which is being monitored by the high court since 2012.