Punjab and Haryana HC takes suo moto action on sewage contaminated water crisis in Chandigarh's EWS Colonies [Read Order]

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently took suo moto cognizance based on a news item published in the newspaper ‘The Tribune,’ which reported a mixture of sewage with the drinking water supply in some of the economically weaker section (EWS) colonies within the town of Chandigarh.

The division bench, consisting of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal, expressed concern about the situation, observing that it could lead to an epidemic.

“It appears that nobody is taking responsibility for resolving the emergent situation, which may lead to an epidemic. Once the water supply to the said colonies is contaminated and consumed, it may result in widespread diseases,” the court observed.

After hearing the Learned Senior Standing Counsel appearing for the Union Territory, Chandigarh, and the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the Chandigarh Housing Board, the court directed the UT Chandigarh administration, which also controls the Chandigarh Housing Board, to take necessary steps to resolve the problem and submit a compliance report before the next hearing date.

The matter has been fixed for further hearing on 04.09.2024.

[Read Order]