NGT Gives Last Chance To Delhi Govt. Deposit Rs 25Cr Towards Cost of Damage to Environment And Furnish Performance Guarantee [Read Order]

The Principal Bench of National Green Tribunal has by way of last chance directed the Delhi Government to deposit amount of Rs 25 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), towards the cost of damage to the environment and furnish performance guarantee in the like amount with the CPCB.

The bench headed by Chairman Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said:

"We give last opportunity to the Delhi Government to deposit the amount and furnish the performance guarantee as earlier directed and comply with the order of the Supreme Court and of this Tribunal dated December 3, 2012." The petitions filed before the tribunal highlighted about unauthorized industrial activities which included handling of plastic and its illegal disposal by way of burning, etc. were continuing.

The bench also asked the Delhi Government to file a compliance report indicating the action taken against the identified polluters. The bench expressed surprise on action being taken only against 150 polluting vehicles and recovery of only Rs 6, 40,000 whereas the identified polluters are more than 30,000.

"There is no serious exercise of assessing the cost of damage to the environment and the cost of restoration. It is also not clear whether polluting activities have been stopped. The amount to be recovered on 'Polluter Pays' has to commensurate with the damage caused and adequate to meet the cost of restoration and deterrent so that polluting activity does not remain profitable which admittedly has not happened."

The bench directed the Delhi Government to file further compliance affidavit giving details of the action taken month-wise and showing compliance of the earlier orders. The applicants are at liberty to furnish status of non-compliance to the Chief Secretary, Delhi within one week and response to such issues be also furnished.

Click here to download the Order