Prayagraj, Aug 18 The Allahabad High Court took suo moto cognisance of the severe waterlogging in Prayagraj on Tuesday, noting that the civic failure caused difficulties for judges in reaching the court and delayed hearings.
A bench comprising Justices Ajit Kumar and Garima Prashad directed the district magistrate and municipal commissioner to appear in court and explain “why measures were not taken in advance to ensure that the city, particularly its low lying areas, do not get waterlogged” in the rainy season.
The bench initiated the suo moto proceedings after observing that the city had become “waterlogged due to incessant rain”, causing difficulties for judges in reaching the court.
The court also asked the secretary of urban development and planning to file an affidavit by August 20, clarifying the plans approved for ensuring the city does not get waterlogged due to heavy downpour.
The court also directed Uttar Pradesh Advocate General Ajai Kumar Mishra and Additional Advocate General M C Chaturvedi to provide assistance in the matter.
