Ravi S. Dhawan, J. - (1.) This court has heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the respondents.
(2.) While the issue on merits of the petition may be argued subsequently at length between the parties, pendent lite the writ petition, this court at present considers it appropriate to give an ad-interim direction containing remedial measures on the water crisis facing the city of Allahabad.
(3.) This is a crisis which refers to the availability of drinking water. The crisis is being faced, as the media reports in more than one State of the Nation. While there is shortage of drinking water for the population of Allahabad, this crisis is being faced in several cities of North India. This court is of the opinion that prevention of wastage of this valuable natural resource of basic human need, conservation is the need of the hour. Further, Article 48-A of the Constitution of India casts an obligation on the State to protect and improve the environment. Then, it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India, in reference to the context, under Article 51-A(g) "to protect and improve the natural environment" including the preservation of water resources. This court cannot ignore these edicts in the Constitution.;