Inspect land proposed for setting up STP, says NGT

The land is located in Dichaon Kalan village in Najafgarh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday directed the authorities, including the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), to inspect a piece of land in south-west Delhi’s Najafgarh where construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) had been proposed.

A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar directed the team to carry out joint inspection of the land. The Chief Engineer of the DJB has been directed to be a part of the joint inspection team, which comprises senior officers from DJB, the Land and Building Department and the Land and Revenue Department of Delhi.

Community concerns

The land in Dichaon Kalan village came under the scanner after representatives from Valmiki community raised concerns over shifting of the existing cremation ground.

The counsel representing the State government had told the Tribunal earlier that members of the Valmiki community were resisting acquisition of this particular piece of land. Taking note of submissions made by the Aam Aadmi Party government, the green panel stated that representatives from the community will accompany the team of officers.

Further, the Bench asked the authorities to submit a comprehensive report on whether the government can provide alternate land for the cremation ground. “Also let us know whether you can acquire any private land,” said the Bench.

Representatives of the Valmiki community, who were present during the hearing, informed the Bench that they require approximately one acre land for the new cremation ground. The Tribunal has directed the authorities to submit a report by December 5.