NGT halts dumping of waste in Dheerpur wetland

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Tuesday restrained the release of any sewage or sludge in and around water bodies at Dheerpur here and issued notice to the central and city governments on a plea seeking protection of wetlands in the national capital.

The tribunal issued notice to the environment and forests ministry, Delhi government, Delhi Park and Garden Society, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Delhi Jal Board, and Delhi Pollution Control Committee and asked them to file replies within three weeks on a plea seeking formulation of a management plan for the protection of wetlands in the capital.

"The respondents are restrained from releasing or storing any sewage or sludge in and around the water bodies at Dheerpur," said the NGT bench headed by Justice (retd) Swatanter Kumar and fixed May 28 as the next date of hearing.

The tribunal was hearing a plea by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, who apprised it that DMRC workers were dumping solid waste in Dheerpur, leading to deposition of extra soil that was threatening the existence of the water body and that it needs to be protected.

The plea sought the tribunal's direction for the protection and management of the rich green heritage of the wetland.

It said the marshland was used for recreational activities and was important for the environment because of its biological productivity, niche for many species, flood control, recreational and aesthetic values and recharging ground water sources.