The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi police to remove encroachments by scrap dealers in R.K. Puram, following a plea alleging pollution resulting from construction of shops.
A Bench headed by NGT judicial member Justice Raghuvendra S. Rathore said, “After considering the submission by the counsels for the parties, we consider it proper to direct the Deputy Commissioner of Police [South-West Delhi] to ensure that there is no encroachment in the area in question…”
Further the Bench added, “It shall also be the responsibility of the Deputy Commissioner of Police to see that the encroachers do not resettle in the area.”
The directions came when the green panel was hearing a plea moved by Khushi Sewa Sanstha, which sought action against unauthorised commercial activity by scrap dealers in R.K. Puram Sector 1.
Constant vigil
During the hearing, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) informed the green tribunal that the encroachments have been removed and the a constant vigil is being maintained.
“It has also been submitted by the SDMC counsel that some jhuggi and jhopdis which are existing in the area are to be looked into and taken care of by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board,” the Bench noted, while noting the SDMC’s submissions.
Additionally, the plea had alleged that despite complaints, authorities had failed to take action resulting in different kinds of pollution.