The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) over allegations of encroachment on a waterbody in north Delhi's Sannoth village. The case involves the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) and a garbage collection point (dhalao) on land recorded as a johad (pond) in revenue records.
Background of the Case
The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by a local resident regarding the alleged encroachment of the village pond. In its order dated May 22, the NGT noted that a joint inspection report submitted by the respondent authorities confirmed that the land in question is indeed recorded as a johad in revenue records.
Observations of the NGT Bench
The bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad, observed: “The reply supports the allegation of the applicant that Khasra number 99, Khata number 668/685 in village Sannoth is a johad, and an STP has been constructed on the said land, and there is also a garbage collection point.”
DJB's Response
During the proceedings, the DJB informed the tribunal that the project was completed on December 31, 2022, with the objective of enhancing groundwater recharge through the use of treated effluent and preventing the discharge of untreated sewage. The DJB further stated that the construction was carried out after obtaining permission from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
NGT's Directive
The bench directed the respondent authorities to clarify how they encroached upon a waterbody and raised construction there, and whether they violated the law in the process. The NGT stated: “In such a situation, the respondent authorities are directed to clarify as to how they have encroached upon a water body and raised a construction therein, and in this process, have they not violated the law?”
Next Hearing
The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on August 14.
