Delhi High Court Directs Government To Resolve MCD Flood Prevention Funding Crisis
The Delhi High Court has directed the state government to examine the financial health of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), following concerns that the civic body lacks sufficient funds to execute critical infrastructure measures. The matter arose during a suo moto hearing on flooding in a Maharani Bagh residential colony, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to monsoon waterlogging and inadequate urban drainage management.
MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar informed the bench that the corporation does not currently possess the resources to cover flood chambers or barricade drains, tasks the Court had mandated to prevent waterlogging risks. The Division Bench, comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, observed that budget constraints were a key impediment, directing the government to hold a meeting and submit a report on potential remedial measures ahead of the next hearing scheduled for December 19.The Court noted that while perforated drains have been installed, the absence of sufficient funds has delayed full implementation, potentially endangering residents, particularly children and the elderly. “Barricading of the drain was to be completed by November 30. The budget limitation is proving to be the major obstacle for completing flood prevention works,” the bench observed.
The MCD Commissioner outlined that ₹1–1.5 crore would be required for immediate barricading work, while the civic body continues to grapple with broader financial stress. Outstanding dues to the tune of ₹15,791 crore, compounded by the non-constitution of a Finance Commission, have exacerbated the crisis. “We are stretching our resources and attempting to mobilise funds, but structural fiscal deficits remain a challenge,” he said.The Court instructed MCD to issue tenders and complete flood prevention measures within three months, emphasising hands-on monitoring of progress. Justice Singh remarked, “Literally we have to handhold you at every step. It is so difficult.”Additionally, the bench criticised Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for delayed intervention regarding two major pipelines intersecting with the drainage work, urging both agencies to collaborate instead of raising disputes in court. “The DJB has been careless. Objections should have been raised earlier. Both agencies must work together,” the judges stressed.
Urban planning experts highlight that the case underscores structural fiscal challenges in municipal governance, particularly as cities like Delhi expand. Without timely allocation of resources and inter-agency coordination, critical urban infrastructure projects risk delay, impacting safety and resilience in dense urban neighbourhoods. The HC’s intervention signals a push towards fiscal accountability and operational efficiency in India’s capital, balancing administrative prudence with citizen safety.
Delhi High Court Directs Government To Resolve MCD Flood Prevention Funding Crisis
