The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has strongly reprimanded the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) for the continued discharge of untreated sewage into the Yamuna River through the Barapullah drain, particularly from Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters. The tribunal imposed an additional cost of Rs 50,000 on DUSIB for repeated delays and non-cooperation in the proceedings.
Background of the Case
The NGT is hearing multiple petitions, including one filed by the Nizamuddin West Residents Welfare Association (RWA), demanding remedial measures to treat the Barapullah drain and its subsidiary drains. Residents have alleged that many areas of south Delhi experienced waterlogging during the monsoon season due to the lack of desilting of these drains.
DJB's Submission
During the hearing held on May 21, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) informed the tribunal that DUSIB has failed to provide a single discharge point for untreated sewage from JJ clusters. As a result, DJB stated it is unable to stop the discharge of untreated sewage into stormwater drains. The bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, noted that DUSIB had previously been fined Rs 25,000 in March but took no corrective action.
NGT's Observations and Order
The tribunal observed, "DUSIB has shown its non-cooperative attitude and is not filing the reply within time, causing delay in the proceedings. Hence, we impose a cost of Rs 50,000 upon DUSIB." Additionally, the NGT directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to investigate the untreated sewage discharge from JJ clusters and take appropriate action, including imposing environmental compensation as per the law.
The tribunal's order underscores the urgency of addressing the pollution of the Yamuna River, which has been a long-standing environmental and public health concern in the national capital.
