NGT orders forfeiture of performance guarantee submitted by Delhi govt

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has directed forfeiture of performance guarantee of Rs 5 crore deposited by the Delhi government, expressing dissatisfaction with its compliance report on illegal banquet halls, farmhouses and hotels here. Noting that the report furnished by the Delhi government on illegal banquets and restaurants operating in Mahipalpur and Rajokri was "not exhaustive", the NGT said it does not properly address the issues raised by it.

"Direction with regard to the installation of CCTV cameras at appropriate locations to ensure compliance of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and sewage discharge is not shown to have been complied. There is also no comprehensive report about the compliance of waste management rules," the tribunal said.

The green panel noted that no compensation is shown to have been assessed for the illegal withdrawal of groundwater for swimming pools except saying that unlicensed swimming pools were closed. It also noted that the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), which was asked to draw up an action plan on the issue, has not filed any report and only the joint secretary has appeared. "Only explanation given is that he is deputed to Parliament. If it was so, an appropriate affidavit or application should have been filed. MoEF should have filed the report, as directed. Let the same be done now before the next date. We make it clear that if there is further default by the joint secretary concerned, the tribunal will have no other option except to take coercive measures personally against the erring Joint Secretary," the NGT said.