‘Ensure pollution control panel remains within its jurisdiction’

NGT tells Chief Secy; DPCC imposed fines not only on violator but also civic body

April 27, 2019 01:39 am | Updated 01:39 am IST - New Delhi

Dissatisfied with the functioning of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the State’s Chief Secretary to ensure that the pollution control committee fulfils its statutory functions.

A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel issued the directions during the hearing of a plea pertaining to remedial measures being taken by authorities against alleged violation of environmental norms by a aluminium lock manufacturing unit.

Noting that the DPCC sought environmental compensation of ₹50,000 from the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), apart from the violator, the Bench asked the Chief Secretary to ensure that the DPCC remains within its jurisdiction.

“We are surprised that instead of performing its statutory duties under the environmental laws, the DPCC is trying to shift its responsibility to a local authority, also exceeding its jurisdiction in requiring the local authority to pay compensation instead of requiring the law violators to do so,” the Bench noted.

“We direct the Chief Secretary, Delhi, to ensure that the DPCC does not exceed its jurisdiction and perform its duties, as already directed in several matters,” stated the NGT Bench.

Action taken report

Earlier, the NGT had sought an action taken report from the DPCC following allegations of violation of environmental norms in the area. In a report dated April 23, the DPCC had informed the Tribunal that the said unit was “found in operational condition and engaged in the activity of manufacturing aluminium locks.”

“[The] unit has not applied for consent to establish and consent to operate,” the report had said.

With violation of environmental norms suggested by the DPCC, the unit was sealed by the EDMC. However, the DPCC asked the civic body to pay the compensation along with the violator.

The green panel, in previous occasions, has pulled up the DPCC stating that it has repeatedly failed to perform its statutory functions.

Coming down heavily on the pollution control, the NGT had warned that the State committee’s powers will be transferred to the Centre if it continues to fail in performing its duties.

The Delhi Chief Secretary, had in March this year assured the Tribunal that steps will be taken to ensure proper functioning of the DPCC.

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