Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding installation of rainwater harvesting systems in Delhi, 01/12/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Mahesh Chandra Saxena Vs Central Pollution Control Board & Others dated 01/12/2023.
The Execution Application has been filed by the applicant, Mahesh Chandra Saxena seeking compliance of National Green Tribunal order dated September 11, 2019.
The NGT had directed that rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS) should not be installed close to storm water drains to avoid contamination of groundwater in the process of recharging the groundwater from the RWHS. Piezometers be installed near the RWHS for monitoring of ground water level and water quality of recharged water. Separators be installed to separate pollutants before recharging. Depth of the borewells should be at least 5m above the Static Water Table. Deficient RWHS be closed. These were some of the directions passed by the court September 11, 2019. The submission of counsel for the applicant is that none of the above directions have been complied with.
The NGT, December 1, 2023 directed that notice be issued to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB); Delhi Development Authority (DDA); Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi; Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) among others. The respondents have been directed to file compliance reports at least one week before the next date of hearing, February 12, 2024.