NGT Orders Delhi Clean-Up: Addressing Clogged Drains and Health Hazards

The National Green Tribunal has mandated the Delhi government and PWD to address a clogged drain issue in Hari Nagar, West Delhi, linked to health threats. Despite previous directives, garbage obstructs the drain. The authorities must act within six weeks to report back to the tribunal.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to both the Delhi government and the Public Works Department to clean a clogged drain in the Hanuman Park area of West Delhi's Hari Nagar.

During the proceedings related to a neglected waste collection point known as a 'dhalao', the Tribunal, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel, reviewed a report from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The report highlighted significant non-compliance with previous NGT directions, with garbage still spread across roads and the adjacent drain clogged with solid waste.

The tribunal acknowledged a submission from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi claiming the closure and cleaning of a problematic dumping yard, implementation of a Rs 5,000 fine for violations, and transfer of drain maintenance responsibility to the PWD. The NGT has now instructed that all necessary cleaning measures be adopted within six weeks, with results reported to the registrar general.

(With inputs from agencies.)