Top Court Grants Stay Over State's Urban Development Policy
A division bench of the high court comprising chief justice Sheel Nagu and justice Sanjiv Berry granted a stay on the state's urban development policy on April 2.
The court observed that the state appeared to have put public safety at risk "merely to earn more revenue," according to Congress leader Randeep Surjewala.
The Issue at Hand
- The court flagged the government's failure to account for basic infrastructure.
- The administration was accused of ignoring ground realities and allowing high-density construction.
Congress Leader's Criticism
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala described the situation as a "Herculean urban tragedy" and accused the government of ignoring internal warnings and failing to adopt a coherent planning framework.
- He alleged that the policy was driven by property dealers and the real estate mafia.
- Surjewala blamed the government for ignoring internal warnings and failing to adopt a coherent planning framework.
Failing to Deliver
Cities such as Gurugram, Faridabad and Panchkula are grappling with collapsing civic systems, including overflowing sewage, broken roads, unsafe drinking water, rampant encroachments, traffic chaos, shrinking green spaces and worsening air pollution, according to Surjewala.
Solutions Proposed
- A capacity assessment to determine infrastructure needs.
- Expansion of utility systems.
- Removal of encroachments.
- Scientific waste management.
- Restoration of water bodies.
- Mandatory rainwater harvesting.
- Solar adoption.
- A clear parking policy.
- A time-bound clean air action plan.
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala took direct aim at chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, accusing him of apathy towards infrastructure, civic amenities and planned development.