NGT pulls up Delhi govt over failure to submit report on water harvesting

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has pulled up the Delhi government for not submitting a status report on whether government buildings, bridges and flyovers have rainwater harvesting systems installed, and if these are functional.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar gave one “last opportunity” to the Delhi government to submit the report and warned of summoning the secretary concerned in case of default of its order.

“Despite repeated orders the status report has not been filed by the NCT of Delhi. By way of last opportunity report should be filed within one week. In the event of default the secretary concerned of the NCT of Delhi shall be present before the tribunal on the next date of hearing,” the bench, also including Justice Jawad Rahim, said.

The green court also asked the applicant in the case to file response to the report of the Delhi Development Authority, which has already been filed, as well as report of the NCT of Delhi that will be filed within one week.

The directions came while hearing a petition filed by Mehrauli resident Vinod Kumar Jain, who wanted orders to make it compulsory for all government building of 100 sq. m and above to have rainwater harvesting through storage of rainwater.

INSPECTION OF ILLEGAL INDUSTRIAL UNITS

The National Green Tribunal on Thursday ordered an inspection of industries in northwest Delhi and closure of illegal units that were causing air pollution.