As repeated directions by the National Green Tribunal on rainwater harvesting fell on deaf ears, nine five-star hotels and 23 malls/ commercial complexes here have been asked to show what is their source of water and also why should they not be made to compensate for depleting groundwater.
Besides this, the groundwater level around these hotels and malls will also be assessed.
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to be served on officer responsible for handling day-to-day business of the hotels and commercial complexes found to be non-compliant with the requirements of providing rainwater harvesting system.
A joint inspection team of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Central Pollution Control Board and the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) had found them to be non-conforming.
The hotels against which notices have been issued include Asian Hotels Ltd. (Hyatt Regency), Hotel Excelsior (Shangri-La), Jaypee Siddharth, Piccadily Hotel, Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt. Ltd. (Indus Hotels & Spa), Aman Hospitality (Kempinski Ambience), Eros Resorts & Hotels Pvt. Ltd. (Double Tree by Hilton), Eros Resorts & Hotels Pvt. Ltd. (Hilton) and Ibis Hotel.
Besides these hotels, the NGT also issued notices to 23 malls/commercial complexes including DLF Home Developers Ltd., DLF Retail Developers Ltd., Suncity Project, Aditya Infra Developers Pvt. Ltd., Aggarwal Plaza Pvt. Ltd., Lifestyle builders, etc.
“They should also show cause as to why they be not directed to pay compensation for not providing rainwater harvesting systems, as well as why they be not directed to pay compensation for depleting groundwater levels,” the tribunal ordered.
It also directed that all these hotels and malls declare their source of water and produce complete records in that regard, at least for a minimum period of six months till Friday.
