Environmental Norm Violation At CM Arvind Kejriwal’s Official Residence: NGT Grants Time To File Report, Directs Chief Secretary's Presence In Case Of Failure

The principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted four weeks time to the joint committee to file a report probing environmental violation at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal official residence.

Raising concern on the delay in filing the report, the Tribunal recalled that the initial order was passed in May and thereafter the matter was adjourned twice, “yet no report on behalf of the joint Committee has been filed till now.”

The bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Sudhir Agarwal, Dr. A. Senthil Vel said, “Considering the circumstances of the case, we grant further four weeks’ time to the joint Committee to file the report in terms of the order dated 09.05.2023, failing which the Chief Secretary, Delhi will personally appear by virtual mode on the next date of hearing.”

These observations were made while hearing an application in which it was alleged that there had been “violation of environmental norms in constructions" at 6 Flag Staff Road, the official residence of Delhi CM, and 45-47 Rajpur Road, New Delhi by PWD, Delhi. The applicant submitted that, in the course of development, permanent and semi- permanent constructions have been raised and more than 20 trees were cut.

The constructions required approval of Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) under the DUAC Delhi Urban Art Commission Act, 1973 which was declined by the DUAC in its 1564th meeting in November, 2020, the applicant told the NGT.

Considering the allegations, NGT had constituted a joint Committee comprising Delhi Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Environment & Forest), a nominee of Delhi Urban Art Commission and District Magistrate, North, to ascertain the factual position about alleged violation of environmental norms at CM’s residence.

In the present proceeding, NGT noted that the joint Committee has not filed the report, though thereafter, “the matter was adjourned on 31.05.2023 and on 20.07.2023.”

“The report on behalf of DCF, Central, GNCTD has been filed which only discloses that a preliminary inquiry has been registered with the Central Bureau of Investigation in the matter. DCF, Central present in person has sought further time stating that the joint Committee will be conveyed for filing the report in terms of the order the Tribunal,” NGT added.

The matter is now listed for January 15, 2024 for further consideration.

Appearance: Gaurav Kumar Bansal, Adv. for Applicant

Case Title: Naresh Chaudhary v. Union of India & Ors.

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