- (1.) This order is in continuation of the orders already made on 12-4-2005, News Item Published in Hindustan Times Titled "And Quiet Flows The Maily Yamuna", In re, 2009 17 SCC 708, 7-9-2005, News Item Published in Hindustan Times Titled "And Quiet Flows The Maily Yamuna", In re, 2009 17 SCC 716 and 10-1-2006, News Item Published in Hindustan Times Titled "And Quiet Flows The Maily Yamuna", In re, 2009 17 SCC 720.
(2.) We have perused the detailed affidavit filed by Mr Arun Mathur, Chief Executive Officer of Delhi Jal Board, dated 11-2-2006. The affidavit though addresses the problem and the present status of the problem which has also been highlighted in the earlier affidavits of others as well, sets out the aspects on which Delhi Jal Board seeks issue of appropriate directions for supply of potable water of Category C in Delhi but despite the length of the affidavit on most of the issues, the plan of action and specific measures required are lacking. To illustrate, it may be noted that the affidavit states that there is no facility of coliform reduction when it is admitted that it is one of the pollutants of water. The water quality of River Yamuna after periodical inspection was supplied by the Central Pollution Control Board in its report of November 2005, which shows high quantity of coliform (see p. 2236, Vol. XI). It is not stated that, besides the lack of availability of adequate supply of water, what other measures are available, nationally or internationally, to achieve the reduction of coliform contents. During the course of submission, learned counsel for Delhi Jal Board submitted that some international technique is available which is very expensive but the learned counsel was not aware about the details thereof. The affidavit also does not refer to such treatment.
(3.) Again, in respect of desilting of trunk-sewage system, it is not disputed that it is crucial for improving the quality of the water. Out of 91 km, in the last about ten years, only 42 km of trunk sewers have been desilted and rehabilitated. It is stated that work is in progress in the length of 11.5 km. It is stated that part of it is slated to be completed by June 2006 and remaining by December 2006. This would leave another about 37 km for which targeted date of completion is December 2008. Though in Annexure C, the target date of completion is said to be December 2008, but in the body of the affidavit, it is stated that the balance length of desilting of 51 km trunk sewers will take about 36 to 40 months by employing four-five different agencies at a time after award of the work.;