The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the East Delhi Municipal Corporation to take necessary action against around 400 godowns in Shahdara where garbage is allegedly being burnt.
A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel also directed authorities to file a compliance affidavit by April 24.
Directing the senior officials to be present before the tribunal, the Bench said, “Since the matter seriously affects environment in violation of norms and orders of this tribunal, let the Commissioner EDMC and Member Secretary DPCC may take necessary steps in the matter forthwith and appear in person with their compliance affidavit on the next date.”
The directions came when the green panel was hearing a plea that alleged air and noise pollution on account of garbage burning in the godowns. The plea also alleged that the godowns are operating without requisite permissions.
“In the said godowns, there is breakage of iron and steel garbage, releasing dangerous oxides. Godowns do not have any consent to operate or registration (under relevant rules). According to the applicant, there are 400 garbage godowns where waste is continuously burnt and high decibel noise pollution is created,” the Bench observed while noting the allegations put forth.
The Bench also noted, “The issue for consideration is the operation of garbage godowns at Soniya Vihar in Shahdara without consent, causing noise and air pollution beyond the prescribed norms, affecting the health of inhabitants.”
The petitioner also contended that according to earlier orders passed by the NGT, there was a “prohibition on throwing solid waste into the drains or Yamuna.”