A telling example of how law courts can deliver long-delayed justice to neglected communities can be seen today in some working-class colonies of Bawana in Delhi. A recent visit to H Block and nearby clusters of this resettlement colony revealed a rare sense of optimism among residents, who now see light at the end of a long tunnel following directives from the Delhi High Court to expedite the provision of clean drinking water.
While this development deserves to be welcomed, it is equally shocking that for nearly two decades clean drinking water was denied to working-class communities living here. In 2006, residents of Beniwal Nagar were resettled in Bawana by the government following slum evictions, with most families placed in F, G, and H blocks. Although the authorities promised to provide all basic facilities, little progress was made in practice, and people continued to be deprived of some of the most essential civic amenities.
Over the years, despite repeated complaints, clean drinking water remained unavailable. The poor-quality water supplied could be used, with difficulty, for washing but not for drinking or cooking. Time and again, attention was drawn to the serious health risks posed by this situation—this writer has also reported on it several times—but the required action was not taken. As a result, residents have been forced to purchase drinking water daily in large jars or bottles. Now, following High Court orders, there is hope that clean water will finally flow from taps. Yet, having endured many false promises in the past, people want the court to closely monitor implementation and issue further directives if progress falters. Above all, it must be ensured that no one falls ill or dies due to the absence of clean drinking water.
Another major concern relates to sanitation facilities. Government authorities had earlier constructed some community toilets, but these were poorly maintained and soon became unusable. With court intervention, repairs and better maintenance are now being planned. However, residents remain apprehensive, given past experience. When community toilets failed to provide a solution, many families constructed toilets within their small homes, despite severe space constraints. In the absence of sewer connections, this has created additional problems and health hazards, prompting demands for proper sewerage facilities. Given the difficult circumstances, the most practical and humane solution must be adopted to provide immediate relief.
Beyond the lack of basic civic amenities, residents face a serious social and health crisis stemming from the easy availability of liquor and other intoxicants. There is deep concern about the exposure of children and youth to substance abuse, particularly as many parents are away at work for long hours, leaving young people unsupervised for much of the day. If the health and future of children and youth are to be protected, the government must take firm and honest action that goes beyond the existing corrupt nexus enabling the widespread availability of intoxicants. At the same time, community-led social reform efforts to curb consumption should receive active protection and support from both the government and the courts.
The present wave of hope in the colony has emerged after a long period of neglect, following the Delhi High Court’s directives issued in response to a petition filed by the Nirman Mazdoor Panchayat Sangam, a trade union of construction workers. This hope must be strengthened through sustained judicial follow-up and sincere action by the government. It is deeply distressing that resettled workers were denied essential facilities for two decades. One can only hope that genuine efforts to undo this grave injustice will finally be undertaken.
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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, A Day in 2071, and Man over Machine (Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision for Present Times)
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