Air pollution crisis: NGT slaps ₹25-crore fine on Delhi govt

NON-COMPLIANCE OF ORDER The green tribunal says government could recover this amount from violators

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) slapped a fine of ₹25 crore on the Delhi government for not complying with its previous orders to curb air pollution in the national capital.

The tribunal has directed the government to deposit the amount with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and said the government could recover this amount from violators or by deducting the salaries of officials responsible for violations.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said despite its clear directions, there is hardly any action and pollution continues unabated in Delhi.

The order comes after a series of petitions filed by Mundka village resident Satish Kumar and Tikri-kalan’s Mahavir Singh, alleging air pollution caused by burning of plastic, rubber, leather, chemical containers and other waste materials.

The NGT had directed the authorities to shut down at least 51,000 industries running out of “non-conforming” areas (areas not designated as industrial) across Delhi. This included petitions against burning of plastic and rubber waste in Narela and Bawana industrial areas, among others. The two areas generate approximately 1,500 metric tonnes of waste every month.

“The city government has done nothing concrete in the matter except furnishing excuses and helplessness. Even after more than four-and-a-half years, the complaint of the aggrieved parties is that the pollution caused by the unregulated handling of plastic continues unabated,” the bench said.

In its previous order, the tribunal had directed Delhi chief secretary to coordinate with all stakeholders, including municipal bodies, police and district magistrates, on the highlighted

issues and submit a compliance report.

The NGT had also asked the chief secretary to ensure the implementation of its orders.

Senior officials of the Delhi government said they are yet to get a copy of the order. “We have not received the order yet. After we study the order in detail, we will be able to comment on it,” said an official, who did not wish to be named.