NGT strict on cleaning of drains before monsoon in Delhi, fine on DUSIB for not giving information
New Delhi. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a tough stance amid the ongoing hearing on the problem of waterlogging during monsoon in the capital Delhi. The tribunal has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). This action was taken because the Board, despite being given repeated opportunities, was not able to present before the court complete information related to the sewer water coming out of slum clusters.
This order was given by the bench of NGT Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, Expert Members A. Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad. The tribunal said that DUSIB in its affidavit did not place on record the complete details of sewage discharge from each JJ cluster. Also, despite being given several opportunities, a proper reply was not filed, due to which the hearing of the case is being delayed. Considering this negligence as serious, NGT imposed a fine on DUSIB and clarified that it is necessary to provide timely and complete information to the concerned agencies, so that the problems related to waterlogging and sewage can be effectively resolved.
During the hearing, the tribunal found that Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) did not present before the court complete information about sewer water coming out of Jhuggi-Jhopri (JJ) clusters despite being given several opportunities. Considering this negligence as serious, NGT has imposed a fine of Rs 25 thousand on DUSIB. The tribunal says that such incomplete information is not only delaying the hearing but is also hindering the solution to the problem of waterlogging.
NGT clarified that it is mandatory to provide timely and complete information to the concerned agencies, so that necessary preparations can be completed before the monsoon and waterlogging situation can be prevented in the capital. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the slits opened for de-silting of the drain have not been properly secured, due to which there is a risk of accident. However, the counsel appearing for the Municipal Corporation rejected this claim and said that all the slits are completely safe and necessary security measures have been taken.
Citing the photographs presented, the tribunal said that large gaps were visible in the tin sheets installed to cover the slits and at many places the slits were open from above, due to which there was a risk of accident. NGT clarified that it is the responsibility of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to secure these slits. The tribunal has directed the MCD Commissioner to file an affidavit explaining what steps have been taken so far to make these places safe, so that any kind of accident can be prevented.
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