Delhi High Court asks MCD to raise Taimur Nagar drain littering fine to 5000 rupees
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider increasing the fine for dumping garbage into the Taimur Nagar drain in the Maharani Bagh area from ₹500 to ₹5,000. The bench, comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora, suggested the tenfold hike to combat severe waterlogging and flooding issues caused by littered drains in the capital.
The court's directions were issued during a hearing on its suo motu proceedings regarding waterlogging in Delhi, alongside connected petitions. Among these was a petition concerning flooding in the Maharani Bagh area and the maintenance of the adjoining Taimur Nagar drain.
During the proceedings, counsel representing the Maharani Bagh Co-operative House Building and Welfare Society Ltd argued that cleanliness was not being adequately maintained in the locality and its nearby drain. Presenting recent photographs, the counsel stated that garbage continued to be dumped into the drain. The counsel also claimed the MCD had failed to take stringent action against violators or ensure proper waste collection in the Taimur Nagar area.
In response, the counsel for the MCD informed the court that the civic body had been issuing challans against individuals found littering, creating insanitary conditions, or causing a public nuisance. The MCD counsel noted that the current prescribed penalty under existing rules is ₹500. This offence is compoundable, meaning violators can settle the matter by paying the fine without facing further legal proceedings.
Observing that dirtying the drain leads to severe waterlogging, the High Court bench stated that the fine must be increased to deter littering. The court directed the MCD to place a proposal for enhancing the fines before the competent authority.
Additionally, the court directed the MCD to print and distribute flyers to residents of Maharani Bagh and neighbouring colonies to inform them about the penalties for dumping garbage in residential areas and drains. The bench emphasized that these awareness campaigns should target densely populated localities to improve compliance with waste disposal rules.
The court also requested that the template of the flyer be placed on record. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 24.
