The National Green Tribunal has recently requested responses from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, the South Delhi district magistrate, DDA, and the Delhi Wetland Authority concerning a petition addressing the purported encroachment and pollution of a pond in southwest Delhi.
The green tribunal criticized the DDA’s actions, noting that their failure to take appropriate measures despite the violation of environmental laws.
As per the petition, the pond adjacent to Kishangarh Village (near Vasant Kunj) is affected by illegal constructions, and both solid & liquid waste are contributing to the pollution of the water body.
The petition asserts that despite clear violations of environmental norms, the DDA, which is legally obligated for the pond’s maintenance, hasn’t initiated any action.
A bench consisting of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member A Senthil Vel highlighted that in February, the tribunal requested a factual report from a joint committee comprising the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, South Delhi district magistrate, DDA, and the Delhi Wetland Authority.
After the DDA submitted a “cryptic report” in September, the tribunal instructed the district magistrate to submit a fresh report.
In an order issued on December 8, the tribunal acknowledged the district magistrate’s statements, stating that the demarcation of the pond land was underway and would be completed within a month.
Furthermore, the order mentioned the DDA’s commitment to taking suitable action against those responsible for the alleged encroachment after the demarcation work is finished.
Also, the DDA assured measures to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage and the removal of solid waste.
The tribunal noted, “None has appeared on behalf of DPCC to inform as to why no action has been taken by DPCC when there was a blatant violation of environmental laws at the site in question and no action was taken by the statutory authorities.”
Consequently, notices were issued to the concerned authorities, who were impleaded as respondents in the case, and they were given a month to file a response.
The green panel directed the joint committee to provide a report, including details on the actions taken and the current status of the pond.
The tribunal stated, “We also make it clear that DDA shall also file criteria adopted for demarcation of the pond and rejuvenation plan of the pond, if any. If no such plan exists, it shall prepare the time-bound plan and submit it before the next date of hearing.”
The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on February 1.
