NEW DELHI: Delhi Development Authority has reportedly directed the authorities to stop every work regarding new landfill selection till the NGT approves and gives the order on the new landfill site selection issue. There have been allegations that two new landfill sites are given by the DDA fall on the Yamuna floodplain hence the National Green Tribunal has ensured to check the facts.
"We have selected all these lands maintaining the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In a city like Delhi, it is not easy to find a space for landfill but we tried our best to do that. We think we should wait till the NGT approves these land or else there is no point to find out other lands," said an official.
The official added that the DDA is concerned about the pollution of Yamuna. "We have no intention to pollute the river but we also kept in mind that the landfill sites should be out of the locality or else the accidents like Ghazipur may occur that is why we suggested these lands," the official said.
"Restrain the DDA from allotting the lands in question falling within the active floodplain of River Yamuna, i.e. 130 acres in Sonya Vihar and 50 acres in Ghonda Gujran for the purpose of developing Solid Waste Management facility. Impose heavy penalty and direct penal action against officials of EDMC for wilful and deliberate concealment of material facts before this tribunal," the AAP said in a plea. After the NGT's statement, the DDA has taken the decision. Last week, the DDA had given in-principal approval for allotment of land for two landfill sites in Sonia Vihar and Ghonda Gujran in the city.