HC directs DDA, civic bodies, residents to keep Dwarka clean

New Delhi, March 20: The Delhi High Court has directed DDA to ensure that the rubble dumped on several of its vacant plots in Dwarka is removed and asked municipal authorities to take strict action against those found littering in the sub-city.

It said residents of Dwarka ought to themselves ensure they keep the roads, markets and other areas clean.

A bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Sanjeev Sachdeva said if the residents of the sub-city do not have this "self-realization", then "there are ample provisions under the law to ensure they do so". It directed the municipal corporation to take strict action against those found littering as well as carry out public awareness campaigns in the area, saying "we have to be strict on people too.

We must introduce civic sense in them". The order was passed on a PIL filed by Ebbani Aggarwal, a law student and resident of the sub-city, seeking directions to the civic authorities and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to ensure cleanliness there.

The court has asked the municipal corporation to involve Aggarwal also in its awareness campaigns. It also directed the civic body to carry out garbage disposal on Sundays and listed the matter for further hearing on May 18.

Directing DDA to ensure that rubble dumped on several of its vacant plots is removed, the bench also asked it to wall off these sites to prevent future incidents of dumping. The order came after DDA said people furtively dump rubble on its vacant sites at night. It also said that it has asked for help from the police to ensure such activities do not take place.

During the hearing, DDA told the court that it has approved Rs 1.46 crore towards improvement of footpaths in the sub-city.

PTI