Today, On 10th February, The Supreme Court criticized authorities for focusing on cycle tracks while people in slums struggle to get clean water. The court questioned the priorities of the government, saying basic needs should come first. It stressed that access to clean water is a fundamental right. The issue highlights the gap between development plans and real-life problems.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court declined to hear a petition advocating for the establishment of separate cycle tracks across the country.
Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized the need for prioritization, stating,
“States do not have money to provide affordable housing, and people lack access to clean drinking water, yet we are daydreaming about cycle tracks.”
The bench urged the petitioner to understand the pressing issues faced by many, saying,
“Go to the slums and see the conditions people are living in. Our priorities are going wrong. We should be more concerned about Article 21 of the Constitution. People don’t have clean water to drink, and government schools are closing down, while you want cycle tracks?”
The petition, submitted by cycling advocate Davinder Singh Nagi, highlighted that some states already have cycle tracks, including one near the Supreme Court itself. The petitioner’s counsel also cited the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation scheme, which focuses on developing essential infrastructure in selected cities and towns.
While cycle tracks promote eco-friendly transport, reduce pollution, and encourage fitness, their construction should not come at the cost of essential services. The Supreme Court emphasized that while developing modern infrastructure is important, people’s basic survival needs must be addressed first.
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The court directed authorities to re-evaluate their priorities and ensure adequate clean water supply to slum areas before spending public funds on non-essential projects.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that while urban planning and sustainable transport are important, ignoring basic human needs is unacceptable. The bench pointed out that millions of people in slums struggle daily for access to safe drinking water, while authorities are focused on constructing cycle tracks and beautification projects.
The court referred to this approach as “daydreaming“, stating that the administration must first ensure fundamental human rights before moving on to urban lifestyle enhancements.