NGT bars construction on a pond in Janakpuri

The National Green Tribunal has restrained the Delhi government from carrying out any construction activity on a pond in a southwest Delhi colony after a plea alleged that the authorities were damaging the water body and destroying the green cover there.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the AAP government, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), South Delhi Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department (PWD) and others while seeking their reply within two weeks.

The green panel's order came on a plea filed by local residents Rajinder Singh and Hari Prakash seeking restoration of a pond in village Asalatpur Khadar in Janakpuri here.

"... Respondent no 5 (PWD) particularly respondent nos 1 (Delhi govt) and 2 (DDA) are directed not to carry on any construction activity in violation to the directions contained in our order dated September 22," the bench said. The plea has sought execution of its September 22 order directing the Delhi government and other authorities to ensure protection of the pond and pass relevant directions.

"Till date, no order has been passed by any of the respondents. It is submitted that the applicant had sent a letter to respondents informing them about the directions of this tribunal and also about noncompliance with the same since more than four weeks had passed since order was passed.

Despite this, the respondents have not taken any steps in compliance of order," the plea alleged. The petition, filed through advocates Rahul Chaudhary and Meera Gopal, claimed that rather than taking any steps for the revival of the pond, the authorities have started construction work at the site and destroyed the existing green cover by using JCBS (mechanical excavators).

"Pass an order imposing penalty under Section 28 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 on the respondents for the failing to comply with the directions contained in order," the plea said.

The green panel's order came on a plea filed by local residents Rajinder Singh and Hari Prakash