July 12, 2019:
Expressing dissatisfaction over its compliance report on illegal banquet halls, farmhouses & hotels in capital, the National Green Tribunal on Thursday ordered the forfeiture of a Rs 5-crore guarantee given by Delhi government.
Noting that the report furnished by the government on illegal units operating in Mahipalpur & Rajokri was “not exhaustive”, NGT said it did not properly address the issues raised by it.
“Directions with regard to installation of CCTV cameras at appropriate locations to ensure compliance of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, & sewage discharge are not shown to have been complied (with). There is also no comprehensive report about compliance of waste management rules,” the tribunal noted
The green court was hearing a plea filed by Westend Green Farms Society, alleging that banquets & marriage halls operating in Mahipalpur & Rajokri near IGI Airport were causing vehicular congestion & environment pollution. The court noted that no compensation was shown to have been assessed for the illegal withdrawal of ground-water for swimming pools.
It also noted that the ministry of environment & forests (MoEF), which was asked to draw up an action plan on the issue, had not filed any report & only the joint secretary had appeared before it.
“Only explanation given is that he is deputed to Parliament. If it was so, an appropriate affidavit or application should have been filed. MoEF should have filed the report, as directed. Let the same be done now before the next date. We make it clear that if there is further default by the joint secretary concerned, the tribunal will have no other option except to take coercive measures personally against the erring joint secretary,” NGT said.
Source Link
Picture Source :
