The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday rapped Delhi and three other States for not filing their replies to a petition that alleged illegal operation of brick kilns in the National Capital Region.
The plea had alleged that brick kilns operating illegally were resulting in severe air and water pollution in the region.
A Bench headed by judicial member Raghuvendra S. Rathore said, “Learned counsels for the States of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, National Capital Territory of Delhi and the State Pollution Control Boards are given last opportunity to comply with the order dated February 7 for filing of the report in respect of all brick kiln within the area referred.”
Warns of fines
Further, the green panel warned the authorities and said fines will be levied in case of non-compliance with orders. “In case they fail to do [submit report], before the next date of hearing they will be liable to be saddled with costs,” the Bench added.
The directions came while the NGT was hearing a plea filed by city resident Shailesh Singh who claimed that brick kilns in NCR were flouting norms and operating illegally.
Seeking a stay on operation of these brick kilns, the petition further claimed that kilns in several districts, including seven districts in Uttar Pradesh and 13 in Haryana among others, were operating without obtaining clearances from statutory authorities.
On February 7, the NGT had said, “We direct the State pollution control board of each of the States of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, NCT of Delhi and Rajasthan to examine the allegations contained in the application and inspect all brick fields within the districts referred to and examine whether these are compliant or not. In the event of them being non-compliant, the State PCBs shall initiate appropriate action against them in accordance with law.”
