NGT directs EDMC to take action against welding, painting units in Laxmi Nagar

The National Green Tribunal has taken note of a plea alleging that welding and painting work was being done in a residential area in Laxmi Nagar and directed the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) to look into the matter.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel formed a committee comprising the EDMC commissioner and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to look into the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with law.

"Proceedings have been initiated on basis of a letter by post alleging that welding and painting work is being done in Mangal Bazar, Street No. 6, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi -110092 causing pollution. Children of the Bal Bhawan Public School which is located nearby are adversely affected. The factory has potential for severe damage of public health particularly the school children.

"We accordingly direct the Joint Committee of the Commissioner, the EDMC and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to look into the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with law," the bench said.

The green panel sought an action taken report within a month by e-mail and directed ed that a copy of this order be sent to authorities concerned by e-mail for compliance.

The NGT clarified that the order of the tribunal is binding as a decree of Court and its non-compliance is actionable by way of punitive action, including prosecution, in terms of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

The tribunal's order came while hearing a plea Resident Welfare Association, Laxmi Nagar, seeking action against welding and painting units in the area on the ground that they were causing pollution and affecting the health of residents.