"Unsuitable Conditions": Delhi High Court Takes Notice of Hindustan Times Article Regarding Rajputana Rifles' Hardships
Delhi High Court Orders Cantonment Board to Address soldiers' Plight at Rajputana Rifles
New Delhi — A division of the Delhi High Court has taken cognizance of reports detailing the daily hardships faced by over 3,000 soldiers of the Rajputana Rifles, India's oldest regiment, stationed in Delhi Cantonment. The men must negotiate a foul-smelling culvert that floods during rains, as there is no foot overbridge in place. The Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB) has been directed to file a status report on the matter immediately, with the High Court deeming the situation unacceptable.
In a report titled "A smelly trail from barracks to grounds: Regiment's daily battle in Delhi," published on Monday, the Hindustan Times underscored the soldiers' ordeal of having to march through the culvert to reach the parade ground. Despite this, the Delhi government has yet to construct the required foot overbridge.
A bench of justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora cited the Hindustan Times' report in their order, released on Tuesday, stating that over 3,000 soldiers must traverse the drain, which becomes flooded and slick with sludge, multiple times a day. The court emphasized that the current situation is unacceptable and has given direction for the DCB to submit a brief status report on the matter by Thursday.
The court's order comes as it considers a series of pleas designed to combat Delhi's incessant water logging issues. On April 28, the High Court ordered the Special Task Force to commence demolition of unauthorized colonies covering the Taimoor Nagar drain from May 5. According to DDA's lawyer Prabhsahay Kaur, the second phase of demolition has been completed, with the third set to commence on June 10 and conclude by June 30.
The court also ordered for the continuous cleaning of the Taimoor Nagar drain at least twice daily, acknowledging that the ongoing cleaning of parallel drains across the city, as well as the debris resulting from the demolition of encroachments, necessitates regular cleanings.
This issue represents a dereliction of urban infrastructure and safety measures, and highlights the dire need for swift action from concerned authorities. The soldiers' ongoing struggle to access basic infrastructure, despite multiple court orders and public advocacy, calls into question the duty of care extended towards uniformed personnel and the accountability of administrative processes.
[1] Social media users have taken to Instagram to express their concern, tagging relevant government handles with appeals for intervention and share a sense of urgency regarding the soldiers' circumstances.
[2] The absence of a foot overbridge subjects soldiers to significant danger due to the high volume and speed of vehicle traffic in the Cantonment area.
[1] As the issue of soldiers' struggling Access to basic Infrastructure in Delhi Cantonment continues, some Social media users have started a campaign, tagging relevant government authorities on Instagram, urging immediate intervention.
[2] Meanwhile,key Political figures have called for a review of the government's policy-and-legislation regarding the maintenance of infrastructure in cantonments, raising concerns about safety and welfare of the soldiers.
[3] In the general-news section, debates on this matter have also spilled over to television and radio discussions, with experts discussing the potential longer-term implications for India's military capabilities if similar infrastructure issues are not addressed timely.
