NGT Issues Bailable Warrant Against DMRC Chief [Read Order]

The National Green Tribunal has issued bailable warrant against the managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in a matter pertaining to rain water harvesting along the metro train tracks and in areas under its control.

A bench headed by UD Salvi ordered that bailable warrants be issued after none of the senior officials from DMRC appeared before it to apprise it about the possibility of rain water harvesting at certain sites.

“None present on behalf of the DMRC despite its presence being felt necessary as per the order dated 04-12-2017. Consequently, we issue bailable warrants against the Managing Director, DMRC in the sum of Rs. 20,000/- to the satisfaction of the arresting Officer, in exercise of our powers and in terms of the provision of Section 19 (4) (a) of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,” the NGT ordered.

The NGT has been hearing a matter instituted in 2013 by environment activist Vikrant Tongad on rain water harvesting by government and private agencies.

The NGT has been expanding the reach of his application by including various hospitals etc in its purview and has in the past appointed commissioners to assess the working of rain water harvesting system at various places.

Tongad has been suggesting that considering the area under DMRC’s jurisdiction, it can be used for rain water harvesting.

On December 4, the NGT was informed that there certain areas where rainwater harvesting system is not possible while in other, there was some possibility.

“In the circumstances, DMRC has to explain why in such places whether it is possible or not. None present on behalf of DMRC. We direct the senior most officer of DMRC to be present before the tribunal who will be able to assist the tribunal giving information on the next date of hearing,” the NGT had then ordered.

Since no one from DMRC appeared before the NGT, it was constrained to order issuance of bailable warrants.