CPCB moves NGT against govt agencies flouting construction and demolition rules

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has moved the National Green Tribunal alleging dust emissions due to unregulated construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR, prompting the green panel to seek response from government agencies.

A bench headed by acting NGT Chairperson Justice Jawad Rahim issued notices to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the National Highways Authority of India and others on the CPCB's plea alleging non-compliance of rules on management of construction waste.

The plea moved by the apex pollution control board said that despite notifications from the Centre, government agencies were flouting Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The apex pollution monitoring body said that it carried out surprise inspection of 24 construction sites during March 14-15 of various agencies such as National Highways Authority of India, Delhi Development Authority, Public Works Department, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi Jal Board, MTNL, state-run NBCC, Delhi Transco Limited, BSES Delhi and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited.

"On the visit of the sites, the CPCB applicant found that the respondents have failed to comply with the 'Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016' as well as failed to follow the 'Guidelines on Environmental Management of Construction & Demolition Wastes' at the above mentioned sites.

"The non-compliance of environment laws at the above construction sites by the respondent is willful default. The said conduct of the respondents caused the environment of Delhi to degrade and pollute due to unchecked/uncontrolled dust emissions," the plea, filed through advocate Alpana Poddar, said.

The CPCB, in its plea, said that inspections had shown large number of incidents of dust emission due to construction and demolition activities.

It said that the civic bodies had failed to take action despite construction and demolition activities taking place within their jurisdictions.

The board has submitted a list of sites and agencies which were found to be repeated offenders pertaining to the compliance with the Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.