‘Illegal groundwater extraction by hotels in Delhi’s Paharganj’: NGT directs joint panel to take remedial measures
In 2021, the applicant had sought action against the "illegal withdrawal of groundwater by 536 hotels operating in the Paharganj area of Delhi”.
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The extraction of groundwater for domestic, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes without prior permission is prohibited in Delhi. (File) Taking serious note of the alleged illegal extraction of groundwater by about 536 hotels in Paharganj area of Delhi, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed a joint committee to look into the matter and take remedial measures.
The panel will comprise representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, the Central Groundwater Authority, and the district magistrate. The committee is required to file an action taken report within two months.
In a recent order, the NGT’s principal bench said: “The committee may look into the issue of the status of legality of groundwater extractions and compliance of norms for such extractions, groundwater availability at relevant locations and replenishment measures being done and status of compliance with consent conditions granted under Water Act, 1974, and Air Act, 1981.”
In 2021, the applicant had sought action against the “illegal withdrawal of groundwater by 536 hotels operating in the Paharganj area of Delhi”. The said person has now sought the execution of an order issued by the tribunal the same year while considering the matter. The NGT had then asked the applicant to approach the authorities concerned to enforce or oversee the compliance of norms on the subject of groundwater extraction.
Taking note of the matter, the NGT said in its recent order that the allegations, if true, “show a serious violation of norms”. The order further points out that the application has alleged that illegalities have been allowed to continue to the detriment of the environment and the rule of law.
Last year, a report by the Central Groundwater Board revealed that five of Delhi’s 11 revenue districts, including New Delhi, South Delhi, Southwest Delhi, North Delhi and Shahdara, extract more groundwater than is replenished annually, with New Delhi having the highest rate of extraction.
It may be mentioned here that extracting groundwater for domestic, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes without prior permission is prohibited in Delhi.
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