Madhya Pradesh High Court Upholds AMRUT 2.0 Scheme for Indore's Water Supply Expansion

Court Dismisses Petition Against New Scheme, Emphasizing Future Water Needs and Population Growth

In a significant ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the implementation of the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, designed to enhance water supply in Indore. The petition, filed by Mahesh Garg, argued that the scheme should be halted due to the incomplete implementation of its predecessor, AMRUT 1.0. However, the court, presided over by Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, upheld the new scheme, citing its necessity in light of substantial population growth and the expansion of the municipal area.

The AMRUT 2.0 scheme, approved by the Indore Municipal Corporation and the Mayor-in-Council in 2023, aims to address the critical water shortages faced by the city. The court noted that since 2011, Indore's population has surged from approximately 19.64 lakh to nearly 22 lakh, with the city incorporating 29 additional villages, expanding its area by 280 square kilometers. Projections indicate that by 2050, the population may exceed 82 lakh, necessitating a significant increase in water supply to 1650 MLD from the current 323 MLD to meet future demands.

The petitioner contended that implementing a new scheme without fully realizing the previous one was imprudent and financially burdensome. However, the court emphasized that the scheme was developed by expert bodies, including town planners and engineers, who recognized the urgent need for an enhanced water supply infrastructure. The court asserted that the mere fact that an earlier scheme was not fully realized does not justify preventing the implementation of a new one, especially when it addresses vital needs such as water supply.

The court further noted that the financial burden on the exchequer is not a sufficient reason to halt the scheme, particularly when it concerns the provision of adequate drinking water to Indore's residents. Acknowledging the admitted inadequacy of the current water supply, the court concluded that the AMRUT 2.0 scheme is a necessary step towards securing the city's water future.

The dismissal of the petition reinforces the government's commitment to addressing Indore's infrastructural needs amid rapid urbanization, ensuring that the city's growth is supported by essential services.

Bottom Line:

Public Interest Litigation challenging implementation of AMRUT 2.0 scheme for enhanced water supply dismissed, as the scheme was formulated considering future requirements due to population growth and area expansion of Indore city. Previous incomplete implementation of AMRUT 1.0 not a valid ground to prevent new scheme.

Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation.

Mahesh Garg v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (Madhya Pradesh)(Indore)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2814788