HC slams MoEF for non-compliance of its order

The Delhi High Court today pulled up Ministry of Environment Forests for non-compliance of its order to collect samples from a water body in a forested area near Fort Tughlakabad here and submit a report on whether it is contaminated and if it is affecting animals in the area.
Irked over the "inaction" of ministry, a bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Siddharth Mridul said "it is strange that MoEF can't organise taking of samples. Is this an answer to the court?" and added that it will not take the same lightly.
The observation by the court was made after central government standing counsel Jasmeet Singh, appearing for the ministry, said he had informed it about the direction but till date nothing has been done.

"Direction given to respondent 1 (MoEF) on August 13, 2014 with regard to drawing of sample of water, alleged to be contaminated, in the area mentioned in the petition and submit a chemical analysis report of the same has not been complied with. We are not going to take this inaction lightly.
"Before next date, the direction issued on August 13 be complied with in letter and spirit. In the event of non- compliance, the Secretary, MoEF be present in court," the bench said.
"We want to know if the discharge is hazardous," it said.

Apart from directing MoEF to collect samples from the water body and submit a chemical analysis report of the same, the court had also asked the ministry to find out the source from where the water is accumulating in the area.

The court passed the order while hearing a PIL seeking clean water for animals and birds in the city.
The plea filed by Manoj Kumar alleged that the animals and birds in the national capital are being deprived of clean water to drink.