New Delhi, Aug 20 The National Green Tribunal has allowed the Delhi Jal Board four weeks to file a report regarding allegations of non-compliance with the tribunal's directions pertaining to rainwater harvesting systems, groundwater recharge and monitoring of groundwater quality in the city.
In an order passed on Wednesday, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad noted that an execution application was filed alleging non-compliance with certain directions.
The bench noted that the applicant claimed that several authorities, such as DJB, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and Delhi Development Authority had not followed the direction not to install rainwater harvesting systems near storm water drains to prevent contamination of groundwater during recharge.
It also noted that the applicant claimed non-compliance with the direction regarding the installation of piezometers (used to measure underground water pressure)near rainwater harvesting systems for monitoring groundwater levels and the quality of recharged water, and the order for installing separators to remove pollutants before groundwater recharge.
Another issue raised, the tribunal noted, was regarding the prescribed depth of recharge borewells, with the applicant alleging that several recharge borewells were substantially deeper than the permitted level of five metres above the static water table.
The applicant had further alleged that deficient rainwater harvesting systems had not been closed or rectified, including systems located near storm water drains, the tribunal noted.
It took note of the reference made to action taken by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), including show-cause notices issued to certain authorities concerning deficiencies in rainwater harvesting systems.
“Counsel for the DJB seeks four weeks to obtain instructions in respect of the allegation of the above non-compliance and file further compliance report,” the tribunal said.
Allowing the same, it posted the matter on October 27 for further proceedings.
