NGT Mandates Permanent Sealing of Unauthorized Borewells in Delhi
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern directive to authorities in Delhi, ordering them to ensure the proper and permanent sealing of illegal borewells operating in various parts of the city. This action comes after the tribunal found that earlier sealing efforts were largely ineffective, as they still permitted the extraction of groundwater, thereby undermining conservation measures.
Background of the Case and Tribunal Hearing
In an order dated February 20, a bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava heard an execution plea related to complaints filed by a resident of Rohini. The applicant raised concerns about unauthorized borewells in areas such as Rohini and Shakti Nagar, specifically highlighting several premises in Sector 7 of Rohini, as well as Prem Nagar and Shakti Nagar, where borewells were allegedly operating without the mandatory permissions required by law.
Previously, on January 28 of last year, the tribunal had directed the concerned sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to examine these grievances and take appropriate action swiftly upon receiving a detailed representation from the complainant. This initial order aimed to address the illegal extraction of groundwater, which poses significant environmental and sustainability risks.
Ineffective Sealing and Tribunal's Observations
During the latest hearing, counsel representing the SDMs informed the tribunal that borewells at multiple locations had been sealed on various dates between December 2025 and February 2026. However, the tribunal critically noted that photographs submitted as evidence revealed the sealing was not executed properly. These images demonstrated that the borewells could still be operated, indicating that the sealing measures were superficial and failed to prevent ongoing groundwater extraction.
In response to these findings, counsel for the SDM of Model Town submitted a revised plan. They proposed that the borewells would now be sealed by removing the submersible pumps and plugging them with concrete, a method intended to ensure a more permanent and effective closure. The tribunal has mandated that this exercise be completed within a strict timeframe of two weeks to expedite the remediation process.
Compliance and Future Steps
The National Green Tribunal has directed the SDM of Model Town to file a further compliance report within three weeks, detailing the progress and completion of the sealing activities. To ensure accountability and follow-through, the matter has been listed for a subsequent hearing on April 1, where the tribunal will review the report and assess whether the directives have been adequately implemented.
This order underscores the NGT's commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and protecting vital water resources in Delhi. By addressing the loopholes in previous sealing efforts, the tribunal aims to curb illegal groundwater extraction, which contributes to depletion and environmental degradation in the region.
