SC asks Delhi govt agencies to work in harmony for cleanliness of Kalkaji temple

The Supreme Court asked the government agencies on Wednesday to work in harmony to create facilities to maintain cleanliness at the Kalkaji temple in South Delhi. 

A bench headed by justice Dipak Misra directed senior officials of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to hold a meeting to deliberate on issues like construction of toilet blocks and sewage line in the premises there. 

Regarding barricading for security reasons and controlling the rush of devotees, the apex court asked the Delhi Police commissioner to take a call on it after consulting competent authorities of disaster management and fire department. 

"We want the authorities to work in harmony and give us a complete picture within six weeks," the bench, also comprising justices AM Khanwilkar and MM Shantanagoudar, said. 

The bench observed that a report given by a three-member court-appointed committee pertains to three aspects --construction of three toilets blocks, construction of a sewage line by the DJB and taking appropriate steps for barricading, which would also include emergency evacuation. 

The committee had told the court that three toilet blocks were maintained by the SDMC and three more such blocks are needed. 

"Considering these aspects, we direct that there should be a meeting between the high level officials of the DDA, SDMC and DJB," the bench said. 

The panel also told the court that regarding barricading at and near the temple, senior police official should monitor the situation. 

The bench, which posted the matter for further hearing on April 24, said, "The temple (and the premises) must look clean and in proper shape. It is in public interest." 

The apex court also directed the authorities to submit their reports within six weeks on the issues raised by the committee. The committee had earlier told the court that there was no proper signage at five entry points of the temple and there was a huge rush of devotees which had the potential to create an unhealthy atmosphere and could lead to a stampede any time. 

The bench had earlier also passed a slew of directions to DDA, SDMC and DJB regarding cleanliness at the temple, fencing and leakage of pipes. The court had in 2013 stayed the Delhi High Court's order directing demolition of unauthorised constructions in the Kalkaji temple premises.