Clean Yamuna: Every household in Delhi to pay environment compensation, says, NGT

In the case of unauthorised colonies, the monthly compensation will be between the range of Rs 100 to Rs 500.

[related-post]

“We direct the NCT of Delhi, Delhi Jal Board (DJB), municipal corporations, Cantonment Board, electricity companies like BSES and other civic authorities to collect the compensation from every household generating sewage in Delhi on the ‘polluters pay principle’. This is irrespective of whether a household has a sewerage connection or not. This would be equally applicable to households located in unauthorised colonies,” the order stated.

Payment of this compensation will be added to “electricity bills, water bills and the property tax, in order of preference by the respective departments”, the order said.

The exact amount will be “determined by the concerned authority” while taking into account the “construction existing on the plot”. The total money will be deposited with the Delhi government. While directing authorities to collect monthly compensation from households, the NGT noted that various ministries of the Union government, Delhi Development Authority, DJB will “share liability” as determined by the Principle Committee appointed by the NGT.

“Finances for the project shall be resourced interalia but definitely from the Ministry of Water Resources under the National Mission for Clean Ganga,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Tribunal also issued a slew of directions while permitting “phase implementation” of the Yamuna project. The first phase, which is expected to cost Rs 3,659 crore, will take up as priority the revitalisation of two drains — Najafgarh and Delhi Gate drains — which cause 63 per cent of the river’s pollution, the tribunal said. “The cost of the project is Rs 3,659 crore, which includes establishing of new STPs as well as providing of interceptors and sewer line in relation to the first phase only,” the NGT said in its order.

The NGT also directed the DJB to submit the action plan and timeframe for completing the first phase within a week. The Tribunal said there will be no “further extension” and erring officers will be held “personally liable” for default.

Other Measures:

DPCC to ensure that all common effluent treatment plants (CETP) operate at optimum capacity

DSIIDC and other authorities to ensure all industries discharge trade effluents only in drains

DJB to ensure all existing STPs operate to optimum capacity

DJB, DDA, Revenue department to take possession of required land, on which STPs are to be built, in 4 weeks

All STPs to release effluents according to standards

DJB and DSIIDC to introduce online monitoring system at specified observation points

DJB to get desludging vehicles to transport sludge from septic tanks to nearest STP