Green Tribunal notice to DMRC on contempt plea by Janakpuri residents

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday sought response of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on a plea seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against it for not restoring a residential area here after closure of a concrete mixing plant which was causing pollution.

A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to DMRC, Central Pollution Control Board and Delhi Pollution Control Committee while seeking their reply by January 4.

The notice came on contempt petition filed by RWA of A-1 Block of Janakpuri seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against DMRC for “deliberate, willful and intentional disobedience” of the order of the green panel.

In 2014, the Tribunal had directed Delhi Metro to shift a concrete mixing plant set up by it within a period of eight weeks and asked “DMRC, its agent/contractor” to take measures to ensure restoration and reforestation of the area.

“No restoration or re-afforestation work had been undertaken by DMRC or its contractors and instead in January 2015, it began utilising the area for transporting massive iron girders through trucks and storing the same,” the contempt plea while seeking imposition of “exemplary fine” for non-compliance of order.

The RWA has also alleged that the activities being carried out by DMRC in the area have worsened air and water quality of the area.

“Issue summons directing personal appearance of managing director and other officials of the DMRC.

“Pass an order directing DMRC and its agents or contractors to restore the green cover existing when the site in question was being used by Bharat Prakrita Chikitsa Mission and prior to the establishment of the impugned concrete mixing plants,” the plea said.

Earlier, the DPCC’s inspection report had mentioned that there were certain lapses in the functioning of concrete mixing plant which was causing pollution in the area.