M. Katju and O. Bhatt, JJ. - (1.) A drainage system is an essential part of the lifeline of a City. Without a proper drainage system in a City, there are bound to be epidemics, diseases, water logging and other kinds of big problems.
(2.) Due to the rains which started from the evening of August 30, 2000 and continued for two or three days atleast one third, if not one half, of Allahabad City went under water, causing huge loss of property and other problems in the City. The City became like Venice, with boats plying on the streets. Lacs of citizens lost their household goods and suffered various kinds of damage and hardships. Thousands of houses were several feet under water and many citizens had to abandon their houses or to go on the first floor. If there was one. The miseries of the people of Allahabad were unimaginable.
(3.) Not only the City of Allahabad is facing such a problem but also a large number of other Cities in India were also facing the same. For instance the newspapers reported that many parts of Calcutta City were several feet under water and people were seen swimming on the streets there. Similarly in Ahmedabad City, many colonies including the Gujarat High Court Judges Colony were several feet under water. This is a ridiculous state of affairs. We read in our history books that 5000 to 6000 years ago in Harappa and Mohanjodaro Civilization, there was a proper drainage system, water supply system and town planning. It seems that instead of progressing after 5000 to 6000 years, we are going backward. This state of affairs will no longer be tolerated by this Court as it directly affects Article 21 of the Constitution of India that guarantees a dignified and civilized life to all citizens of India.;