NGT directs sealing of North Delhi scrap market

The National Green Tribunal has directed authorities to seal the market dealing in junk goods at Gokalpur village in north Delhi here for causing noise pollution.
A bench, headed by Justice P Jyothimani, directed the closure of the market after perusing the status report filed by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
The status report has stated that on monitoring the noise level at three places, it was found that the scrap market was flouting the permissible levels of noise pollution.
It also stated that the Vice-Principal of the government school located adjacent to the market informed DPCC that sound pollution was due to the junk market.

"The market place was allotted by DDA knowing that the place is going to be used as a junk market. In all fairness, DDA, being a public authority, should have avoided the same or it should have chosen some other place in the best interest of the children of the school.
"Therefore, prima facie, we are satisfied that the children are worst affected because of the noise pollution caused by the running of the junk market. In such view of the matter and based on the status report, we direct the respondents to close down and seal the junk market forthwith and inform the same on the next date of hearing," the bench said.

The Tribunal also directed the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the area along with the local SDM to ensure strict compliance of the order.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by Gokalpur residents' welfare association against noise and air pollution caused due to "unauthorized" junkyard in the area.
The school is stated to be a government school running in two sessions with the total strength of nearly 7000 students and the school is in existence for the past 20 years.
Advocate Kush Sharma, appearing for DDA, said the authority would extend full cooperation in implementing the order of the bench without delay and default.