Stop Metro services if order not complied with: NGT

Delhi metro (Source: File photo)

The National Green Tribunal on Thursday said it would consider “stopping Metro services as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was not complying with an order against illegally using extracted ground water”.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar slammed the corporation for extracting groundwater without permission. Kumar directed the Environment Ministry, Central Ground Water Authority, DMRC, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and advocate Kush Sharma, counsel for the applicant, to find out how many stations were withdrawing groundwater without permission. Delhi Jal Board had informed the tribunal that it had not granted permission to DMRC to extract groundwater.

Sources, however, said the DJB knew about the borewells and DMRC had applied for permission. “The DMRC has already informed the Delhi Jal board about bore wells needed for Metro construction and applied for permissions and regularisation as per rules. The DMRC recycles the maximum water possible and its systems are designed for recharging the same. It has got ISO recognition for environmental protection.”