The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday took note of a drain clogged with garbage and municipal solid waste near a residential colony in north-east Delhi and sought a reply from the Delhi government on the issue.
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the AAP government, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and the Public Works Department (PWD), and sought their reply before July 11.
The Tribunal asked the authorities to show cause why appropriate action should not be taken against them for violating its orders.
Issue of responsibility
Appearing for the EDMC, advocate Balendu Shekhar said although the area falls under the corporation’s jurisdiction the responsibility of cleaning drains is with the Irrigation & Flood Control Department of the Delhi government.
The order came after the NGT took suo motu cognisance of a media report and photograph showing a drain clogged with municipal solid waste near a residential area in Seelampur here.
The Tribunal had earlier said that municipal solid waste is one of the most serious pollutants in the country, especially in Delhi, and announced a fine of ₹10,000 on those found throwing waste at public places.
The green panel had said that all authorities are under “statutory” obligation to ensure that waste is “collected, transported and disposed” of in accordance with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, so that it does not cause public health hazards.
