NGT Slams Delhi Authorities for Failing to Clarify Groundwater Extraction Regulations

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reprimanded the relevant authorities, including the Delhi government, for avoiding accountability instead of identifying which body is responsible for regulating groundwater extraction.

The green panel expressed concern over the “unfortunate situation” where authorities are unaware of their duties and responsibilities, and directed the Chief Secretary of Delhi to determine the responsible authority for groundwater regulation.

A bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, while addressing the issue of illegal groundwater extraction in Delhi, observed that when asked about the authority responsible for overseeing the extraction, neither the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi government, nor the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) could provide a clear answer.

The bench, which also included Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, noted that the DJB pointed to the District Level Advisory Committee, while the DPCC attributed the responsibility to the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue). Meanwhile, the counsel for the Delhi government was unable to specify the responsible officer.

The tribunal criticized the situation, stating, “It is very unfortunate. This matter has been pending for a long time, and even after several years, the authorities remain unaware of their duties and responsibilities, shifting the blame without clearly identifying the authority responsible for regulating groundwater extraction in Delhi.”

In light of these circumstances, the tribunal ordered the Chief Secretary of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi to determine the authority’s responsibility, considering the observations made, and to instruct the relevant authority to submit a report before the tribunal regarding the actions taken or proposed against the violators.

The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on September 3, 2024.

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