Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding rainwater harvesting systems, Dwarka, Delhi, 10/12/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Mahesh Chandra Saxena Vs The Chief Secretary, Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Others dated 10/12/2021.
The matter related to rainwater harvesting systems constructed in all societies of Dwarka, Delhi. According to the applicant, he has conducted survey of rain water harvesting systems of 40 societies in Dwarka and found deficiencies. The borewells are deeper, enabling polluted water to mix with the groundwater.
A Joint Committee constituted to look into the matter filed its report, November 23, 2021. The report informed the NGT that the "recharge well pipes were taken deep into the static ground water level by the societies due to which contamination was bound to occur". As there is water pollution in the societies in Dwarka, a letter has been written by DJB to DPCC to direct the societies of Dwarka to take all necessary remedial actions in a time bound manner, with regard to rectification of water pollution as per Water & Air Act.
The NGT, December 10, 2021 said that remedial action needs to be taken by the DPCC in exercise of its statutory powers under the Water Act, 1974 to prevent contamination of groundwater, in coordination with the DJB or any other authority. At many places, where RWH systems are installed, the same are eitheri not functional or resulting in contamination of groundwater. This situation needs to be remedied not only in Delhi but pan India and needs to be looked into by a a joint Committee of CPCB, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and Ministry of Urban Development, the NGT order said.