NGT directs sealing of illegal borewells in Vasant Vihar

With water problem looming large over city residents, the National Green Tribunal has cracked the whip on illegal extraction of water and directed sealing of all "unauthorised" borewells operating in Vasant Vihar area here.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the sub divisional magistrate (SDM) of the area to shut all such borewells which do not have requisite permission from Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
"We direct the SDM, Vasant Vihar to seal all the water borewells which are operating illegally, unauthorisedly without permission from CGWA and are running the water mafia in that area (Vasant Kunj Enclave). She would comply with the order and submit a report to the tribunal," the bench said while posting the matter for next hearing on May 19.

It also directed Delhi Jal Board to ensure that potable water should be provided to the colony in discharge of their public obligation and to protect illegal extraction of ground water.
The tribunal's direction came after the SDM told the bench that there are number of unauthorised, illegal borewells operating in the area and they are being run by the water mafia for selling water at very high charge.
The officer also told the green panel that there were nearly 20 to 22 borewells illegal borewells, however, she has directed sealing of only five borewells which are operating without permission from CGWA.

The bench was also informed that Vasant Kunj Enclave does not have rain water harvesting systems and consequently the ground water levels was depleting.
The green panel's direction came while hearing a case related to illegal extraction of groundwater through borewells by certain residents of Vasant Kunj Enclave in South Delhi here.