NGT Directs Joint Committee To Ensure Proper Utilization Of Water During Metro Rail Construction

The principal bench of NGT (National Green Tribunal), comprising of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel (Chairperson), Justice Sudhir Agarwal (Judicial Member), and Dr Senthil Vel (Expert Member), has directed a joint committee to take remedial measures and execute an action plan to ensure proper utilization of water that is wasted during the construction of Metro Rail in Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

An application was filed raising concerns about the wastage of water caused by the discharge during the construction of Metro Rail in Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

“Discharge of water is against the Government Policies including the National Water Policy, 2012, Jal Shakti Abhiyan initiated in 2019, appeal of the Prime Minister to all Sarpanches to conserve water and principle of Sustainable Development requiring water conservation,” the applicant told NGT

After taking note of the application, the Tribunal directed a joint committee consisting CPCB, Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Metro Rail Corporations to consider the issue and take necessary remedial measures.

The committee was instructed to meet within one week, interact with concerned authorities and stakeholders, and prepare and execute an action plan based on the factual position of the matter. Additionally, the committee was asked to lay down necessary SOPs to ensure proper utilization of water and installation of Rain Water Harvesting systems (RWHS) to harness rainwater.

Case- Harpal Singh Rana & Anr. v. State of Uttarakhand & Ors.

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