The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday summoned the CEO of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) over delay in relocation of jhuggies near railway tracks.
The Railways told the Tribunal on Wednesday that jhuggies near the tracks and safety zone are a major source of pollution on its premises, and the DUSIB, which comes under the Delhi government, has been given the task to relocate/ rehabilitate the jhuggi dwellers. The Delhi government, however, has issued orders against any demolition in the city without rehabilitation.
Railways’ counsel Om Prakash told the NGT that work to clean certain sections like the New Delhi-Shahdara stretch has begun, but the jhuggies have been a major hindrance in the endeavour.
The Railways said DUSIB has been sitting over Rs 11.25 crore it gave in 2003-04 for removal of jhuggies. A bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar summoned DUSIB CEO even as the Tribunal made searching questions about the delay in relocation of the jhuggies and the ground reality.
Disappointed over the delay in action from DUSIB, the Bench even suggesting that the DUSIB return the money to Railways with 18 per cent interest.
The NGT also directed all zonal officers of the railways to submit a zonal report on maintenance.
It is to be noted that an advocate, Saloni Singh, had moved the NGT against poor maintenance and pollution on railway tracks and premises.
The NGT has passed a series of orders and even announced a fine of Rs. 5,000 to be imposed on railway litterbugs.
The railways has started cleaning the tracks and erecting walls to keep off the litterbugs.
