Over 5 Lakh Litres of Groundwater Allegedly Drawn Daily for Commercial Use
New Delhi, May 15—The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Delhi government and other relevant authorities after receiving a letter petition alleging massive illegal groundwater extraction in the capital's Kishanganj area.The petition claims that a private individual, identified as Hemant alias Bittu, has been drawing over 5 lakh litres of groundwater daily for commercial purposes. The plea warns that continued inaction could lead to severe groundwater depletion in the region.
Tribunal Terms Allegations Prima Facie Environmental Violation
A bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Afroz Ahmad observed that the allegations, on the face of it, indicate violations of environmental norms and regulations.In an order dated May 13, the tribunal directed seven respondents, including:
- The Principal Secretary of the Delhi Environment Department
- Member Secretaries of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)
- CEO of Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
- District Magistrate of Central Delhi
- Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- The accused individual, Hemant alias Bittu
Joint Committee Formed for Ground Verification
The NGT also constituted a joint committee comprising officials from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Jal Board, and the concerned district magistrate to investigate the allegations on-site.The committee has been instructed to:
- Issue a notice to the accused
- Include the applicant and the accused during the inspection
- Verify the facts
- Recommend remedial actions
- Submit a detailed report within one week