Levy penalty on buildings without functional rainwater harvesting systems, DPCC suggests in its report to NGT
In adherence to existing norms, all structures spanning an area larger than 100 square meters in Delhi must incorporate rainwater harvesting systems. Failure to comply can result in a penalty of an additional 50% of the monthly Delhi Jal Board bill.
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The DPCC's report to the NGT suggests imposing environmental compensation ranging from Rs. 50,000 on residential plots of 100 to 500 square meters, escalating to Rs. 5,00,000 on plots exceeding 5000 square meters, if they lack, have faulty, or non-operational rainwater harvesting systems. (File)A recent report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) stated that the tribunal could issue suitable directives to levy environmental compensation on buildings lacking properly functioning rainwater harvesting systems.
In adherence to existing norms, all structures spanning an area larger than 100 square meters in Delhi must incorporate rainwater harvesting systems. Failure to comply can result in a penalty of an additional 50% of the monthly Delhi Jal Board bill.
The DPCC’s report to the NGT suggests imposing environmental compensation ranging from Rs. 50,000 on residential plots of 100 to 500 square meters, escalating to Rs. 5,00,000 on plots exceeding 5000 square meters, if they lack, have faulty, or non-operational rainwater harvesting systems. For non-residential buildings, a 50% increase in compensation is recommended. Entities authorised by the DJB, DPCC, or District Magistrate could impose these penalties, with the collected amounts utilised to bolster rainwater harvesting initiatives in Delhi.
Furthermore, the DPCC proposes the formation of a joint committee comprising of representatives from the Divisional Commissioner, Delhi Development Authority, DJB, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi. who would ensure the execution of rainwater harvesting directives and submit progress reports to the Chief Secretary. The DPCC urges Deputy Commissioners across all districts in Delhi to oversee the installation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings exceeding 100 square meters.
Meanwhile, the NGT while reviewing a case of groundwater contamination linked to rainwater harvesting systems in Dwarka had asked the DPCC to conduct a study on the factual situation and the remedial action being taken..
In its report filed on January 4, the DPCC said that it lifted 235 groundwater samples from societies in Dwarka out of which 180 were found to be contaminated with ammoniacal nitrogen and dissolved solids. The report attributed the reason for this to the mixing of society waste in rainwater harvesting pits.
“In Delhi, Dwarka is such an area where 100% rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS) are constructed due to which water level in Dwarka is quite up. At present in Dwarka water level is about the depth of 20-25 meters, whereas in the Airport area, which is adjacent to Dwarka, the water level has reached to the depth of 40-50 meters. During the inspections of the Dwarka Societies by the joint team, RWHS systems were found as per the design of the Delhi Jal Board/ CGWA (Central Groundwater Authority). However, common pipelines for roof top rain water harvesting structures and the waste water emanating from washing machines and floor washing areas were found connected and mixed,” it stated.
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