NGT Orders DPCC to Enforce Crackdown on Illegal Scrap Dealers in Delhi

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stated that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) must comply with the tribunal’s orders to crack down on illegally operating scrap dealers in certain areas of the national capital.

The green tribunal was hearing a plea asserting that these unauthorized dealers in Trilokpuri and nearby areas were causing health hazards by generating air and noise pollution and scattering scrap, including iron, broken plastic pieces, rubber, tyres, and fibre sheets, in the open, leading to the risk of harmful diseases.

A bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel noted the submissions of the applicant’s counsel, who stated that scrap shops were still operating in the area and only closed temporarily during inspections.

“Once the tribunal has examined the issue and issued requisite directions (about the closure of illegal scrap shops), the DPCC is required to ensure compliance with the order,” the bench said.

The tribunal permitted the applicant to approach the member secretary of DPCC with a detailed representation, including copies of the earlier orders of the tribunal and the full particulars of the shops operating contrary to the orders.

“The Member Secretary, DPCC, upon receipt of the same, will do the needful in terms of the earlier order of the tribunal as expeditiously as possible, preferably within two months from the date of receipt of such a comprehensive application. If continuous monitoring is required, the needful should also be done,” the tribunal stated.