Delhi, UP under scanner over Yamuna debris

The National Green Tribunal has given “one last opportunity” to authorities in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, including the DMRC, to come clean as to who is dumping rubble in the river Yamuna.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar observed that the affidavits filed by the authorities of the two states do not apparently depict the correct state of affairs as they do not state that the agencies or their contractors have dumped debris in the river, while it “is an undisputed fact” that rubble is being thrown there.
It gave two weeks time to the authorities to file their fresh affidavits and listed the matter for further hearing on May 23.

“Normally, we would have taken action in accordance with the law. However, in the interest of justice, we grant one final opportunity to the Delhi Development Authority, Central Public Works Department, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and all other authorities from states of UP and Delhi to file complete and comprehensive affidavits,” the bench said.

‘No sign boards on trees’

The NGT has directed public authorities, including municipal bodies, DDA, DTC and DMRC to ensure that sign boards, advertisements, wires and other objects that deface trees as well as concrete around them in the capital are removed forthwith.

Justice Swatanter Kumar said there is clear infringement of law and failure on the part of the authorities concerned to discharge their statutory obligations. It was brought to the tribunal’s notice that sign boards and names are pinned on to trees whose roots are also covered by concrete, which are violations under the Environment (Protection) Act.