Following a plea that alleged drains in Saket were being covered in violation of the tribunal’s earlier orders, the National Green Tribunal has directed a monitoring committee constituted by it to pass appropriate orders.
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel said: “The issue of covering of drain was subject matter of consideration before this tribunal as part of larger issue of protecting the environment by stopping sewage dumping in the Yamuna. The issue now raised relates to encroachment. Since we have constituted a monitoring committee, it is free to issue such directions..”
It added: “The dispute raised is a civil dispute, which may require adjudication before the appropriate forum. The issue of environment is incidental. Individual civil disputes cannot be separately considered in these proceedings.”
The NGT was hearing a plea by an RWA in Saket, which alleged that stormwater drains in the area were being illegally covered by a gurdwara.
The plea alleged the NGT had stated that “no drain in Delhi should be covered by any authorities or municipal corporations. Instead, the drain should be construction free”. Meanwhile, the NGT said the petitioner can approach the civil court concerned pertaining to compliance with the order.