Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding rainwater harvesting system installed in the housing societies of Dwarka, Delhi, 13/10/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Mahesh Chandra Saxena Vs Chief Secretary, Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Others dated 13/10/2023. In the Original Application, the issue relating to ground water contamination in reference to the rain water harvesting system installed in the housing societies in Dwarka was raised. The OA was disposed of with certain directions and thereafter, this Execution Application has been filed.
The compliance report filed on behalf of the Government of NCT of Delhi, May 17, 2023 revealed that total societies in Dwarka are 354 out of which 8 societies have refused the inspection team to enter the premises and samples of water were collected from 235 societies. The alarming part of the report is that in 180 societies, contamination was found on account of presence of Ammonical Nitrogen and Total Dissolved Solid in sample water. There is no plausible explanation given in the report for presence of Ammonical Nitrogen in the samples which were collected from the concerned societies.
The report is also deficient in respect of the action taken at the end of the authorities to remedy the situation. Counsel appearing for DPCC seeks four weeks’ time to ensure that appropriate remedial measures are taken and also that the correct picture is reflected before the Tribunal. He also submits that some police help may be provided so that the eight remaining societies can be inspected by the team.
The NGT directed filing of two reports one relating to the factual situation found on the spot and the other relating to the remedial action. The court directed that these reports be filed by the DPCC within 8 weeks. We also direct that DPCC officials along with the other concerned authorities will be entitled to have the police protection for the purpose of inspection of the remaining eight societies.