NGT Forms Panel to Reuse rainwater by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

The National Green Tribunal has formed a panel to address the issue of rainwater utilization and reuse by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The tribunal was prompted by a petition claiming that the DMRC lacks a proper methodology for rainwater disposal and recharge, often discharging rainwater on the roadside. The petition cited instances of rainwater being released along metro pillars and through trees, in violation of the Delhi Water and Sewer (Tariff and Metering) Regulations, 2012.

In response to the petition, the bench, led by Chairperson Justice SK Singh along with Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, stressed the need for an appropriate approach to use the water effectively instead of causing disturbances on the roadside. As a result, the tribunal formed a joint committee comprising representatives from the city government’s public works department, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, DMRC, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. This committee has been tasked with devising a methodology or engineered structured model to reuse the rainwater. A technical report is expected to be prepared with the assistance of technical officers.

During the proceedings, the tribunal noted a DMRC report from February 25, 2023, which indicated that some action, including the extension of pipelines, had been taken. However, the tribunal criticized the authorities for merely extending the pipelines on the road without utilizing the water or channeling it appropriately, leading to water being thrown onto the open road.

Earlier, on April 24, 2022, the tribunal had formed another joint committee involving representatives from DMRC, State Pollution Control Board, and Delhi Jal Board to conduct site inspections and take necessary remedial measures. The tribunal has now directed that a further action taken report be submitted within four weeks, and the matter is scheduled for further proceedings on October 31.