Following allegations of an illegal business of water supply in the Jamia Nagar, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the SDM concerned to furnish details of action taken against the unit.
Stating that “mere recommendations” are not enough, a Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel observed, “A report has been filed by the DPCC merely stating that the SDM has been asked to take action and compensation of ₹50,000 was assessed. Let an affidavit of further steps be filed showing action and not mere proposal or recommendation.”
The DPCC, additionally informed the tribunal that steps in the “form of sealing the unit and prosecution” have been taken.
However, the Bench said, “The compensation to be recovered must take into account the value of ground water extracted and must be deterrent so as to discourage violation. It should be adequate to recover the cost of restoration.”
Directing authorities to furnish relevant details, the Bench added, “If these factors have not been considered, the same may now be considered and the amount revised. Basis for determination (should) be indicated.”