The Delhi High Court has strongly criticised the lack of essential civic infrastructure in the Mundka Industrial Area, noting that despite the presence of numerous functioning industries and a large workforce, the area lacks basic amenities including drinking water supply, storm‑water drains, sewage lines, and common effluent treatment plants. The Court observed that drinking water is being supplied via tankers and sewage disposal is being managed privately, arrangements it deemed unacceptable for an industrial zone.
The Court flagged serious environmental and public health risks arising from the neglect, particularly in the context of untreated sewage and industrial effluents being dumped directly into drains or being burnt. Such practices threaten groundwater, nearby water bodies, and air quality, and the Court questioned how an active industrial area could operate without these rudimentary facilities.
The Court also highlighted systemic failures across civic and government agencies regarding accountability and responsibility. It noted that agencies including the industrial‑development authority, municipal corporations, water board, and pollution control bodies have failed to consistently manage redevelopment or infrastructure provisioning. In many of the industrial zones under review, no agency was willing to accept responsibility for sewage lines or drainage, resulting in a complete breakdown of accountability.
In response, the Court summoned senior officials from the Delhi government and heads of relevant agencies, directing them to take immediate action to address the infrastructural deficiencies. It ordered that redevelopment planning commence immediately for the Mundka Industrial Area, including conducting surveys, finalising redevelopment plans, and releasing funds for implementation. The Court also instructed that a formal agreement be established between the industrial‑area association and the state agency responsible for redevelopment to ensure proper coordination and accountability.
The Court emphasised that the provision of basic civic amenities such as drinking water, sanitation, drainage, and wastewater treatment is a fundamental necessity, particularly in industrial zones where neglect could result in large‑scale environmental pollution and health hazards. It warned that untreated sewage and industrial effluents being discharged into drains and rivers could worsen pollution, harm public health, and violate the right to a clean environment.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing, with the Court expecting a concrete action plan and visible progress from the state authorities and agencies. The High Court’s orders underline the urgent need for accountability, enforcement of infrastructure development, and protection of environmental and public‑health standards in industrial areas.
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