: Several illegal water bottling plants around Delhi were sealed on Tuesday, after Delhi Jal Board chairperson Kapil Mishra ordered a crackdown on the water mafia.
Mr. Mishra said the DJB had received many complaints about unauthorised drinking water plants, and decided to act. Teams of the Delhi government’s Revenue Department, which is empowered to stop illegal borewells, and the DJB had sealed 10 bottling plants as of Tuesday evening. A total of 17 bottling plants would be sealed by Wednesday afternoon, said Mr. Mishra.
He said: “The Delhi government will not tolerate any water mafia in the city and will act strongly against anyone who violates the right of our citizens to free and clean drinking water.”
The action, including charging the accused, was taken under provisions of the Environment Protection Act. As per Section 15 of the EPA, those found in contravention of the Act can be punished for up to five years and be fined up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both. If the contravention continues, there is an additional fine of up to Rs. 5000 per day.
