NHRC takes serious view of disappearing water bodies in the national capital

[21 March 2022] The National Human Rights Commission, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report on disappearing water bodies in Delhi due to alleged unplanned growth and negligence by the authorities.
Notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi and the Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority, DDAcalling for a detailed report in the matter within six weeks. It is also mentioned that out of these 169 encroached waterbodies, a total of 103 belonged to the Delhi Development Authority. The DDA reportedly owns 836 waterbodies, which is the highest number in the city followed by the Revenue Department, which has a total 131 under its ambit. Further, quoting the Centre for Science and Environment, the media report said that according to a 1997 survey, there were 1,000 waterbodies in Delhi, but at present less than 700 remain.