Covering of stormwater drains: NGT issues warrants

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today issued bailable warrants to officials concerned of Urban Development Ministry, Delhi government and two others, irked by their lack of response despite issue of notices to them on a plea to stop covering of stormwater drains in the city.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also issued bailable warrant against the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control of Delhi government, saying the presence of their representatives is necessary to resolve the matter.
"As presence of Respondents 2 (UD ministry), 3 (Delhi government) and 8 (irrigation department) would be necessary to resolve the issue before the Tribunal, we issue bailable warrants against respondents 2, 3 and 8 in the sum of Rs 10,000.. To ensure appearance of the respondents before the Tribunal on next date of hearing," the bench said and listed the matter on October 21.

The bench had on October 7 issued notices to the Centre, Delhi government and various authorities on a petition filed by retired Indian Forest Service officer Manoj Kumar Mishra and Madhu Bhaduri, a former diplomat, who have contended stormwater drains in the national capital are being covered in order to use them for commercial and parking purposes.
In their plea filed through advocate Rahul Choudhury, they have cited the examples of Kushak drain in South Delhi and the Shahdara link drain in East Delh where work is allegedly underway to cover them and use the resultant space for making a parking area and a shopping complex.

During the proceedings, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) told the bench that no construction is being carried out over the Shahdara drain and only a public notification has been issued regarding the proposed work.
With regard to construction over Kushak drain which passes through Defence Colony here, the work has started without taking Environment Impact Assessment clearance, Choudhury said.
The petition has sought a stay on all ongoing work on stormwater drains, their restitution and removal of all encroachments, if any.