The Delhi High Court has directed the concerned authorities to clearly identify which agency will undertake short-term and long-term measures to address recurring waterlogging and traffic congestion in Mahipalpur, an area close to the airport and an important route towards Gurugram. The order was passed on September 18, 2026, by a Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora.
Background
The proceedings arose from complaints concerning severe waterlogging in Mahipalpur. The Court had earlier, on July 25, 2026, directed the Special Task Force constituted in Ravinder Yadav v. Govt. of NCR of Delhi & Ors. to hold a specific meeting with the relevant agencies and examine the feasibility of constructing a storm-water drain in the area.
A meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, was subsequently held on August 3. According to the status report, the existing drainage network had been affected following development works in the Aerocity area. The meeting also recorded a proposal for a 3.5-km storm-water drain along NH-48 from Shankar Vihar to Radisson Circle.
The Court noted that several meetings had taken place between July 31 and September 7, but responsibility for carrying out the proposed works had still not been clearly assigned. It also observed that no definite timelines had been fixed.
The Bench stated:
“The extensive meetings which have been held post the last order ... have resulted in enormous paper work, but on the ground, there appears to be no responsibility fixed as to which job is to be undertaken by which agency or company. No timelines have also been fixed.”
The Court further recorded that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had proposed short-term pumping stations at Samalkha and Mahipalpur Junction, along with long-term measures concerning the Mahipalpur Drain, Samalkha Drain, Najafgarh Drain and railway drainage system.
It also noted that the images showing waterlogging should have resulted in a serious response from the agencies, while no specific agency had accepted responsibility for resolving the waterlogging and traffic congestion.
The High Court directed the Chief Secretary, GNCTD, to hold further meetings and, by October 15, place before the Court a report identifying the short-term and long-term measures and the agency responsible for each.
The agencies assigned responsibilities were directed to file status reports by October 30, 2026, specifying the steps to be undertaken and timelines. The Court further directed NHAI and DIAL to submit a proper proposal for resolving the recurring waterlogging and traffic congestion.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 30, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Title: Social Jurist, A Civil Rights Group v. Union of India and Ors.
Case Number: W.P.(C) 7011/2026
Judge: Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora
Decision Date: September 18, 2026
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