NGT orders closure of industries in residential areas; slaps Rs 50K fine on Delhi govt

The National Green Tribunal has ordered closure of industrial units running in "non-conforming" residential areas of Rohini and slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 each on the Delhi government and others for their "defaults and inaction" towards violation of rules.

The green panel said the units causing pollution, including unauthorised car workshops in violation of law, must be stopped immediately, and a report of action taken may be submitted before the tribunal within one month.

"Respondents are held liable to pay environmental compensation of Rs 50,000 each for damage to the environment by their persistent defaults and inaction towards violations of rules and directions issued by the Tribunal.

"This amount should be recovered from the heads of the said respondents personally to be deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board within one month," the bench said.

The tribunal directed the Delhi chief secretary to call a meeting of the authorities concerned and seek an action plan to be prepared and implemented by a team comprising the DCP of the area, SDM and senior officer of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). It noted that the said team must also conduct a public hearing on the spot at least once in every week.

"The chief secretary may also indicate persons accountable for such repeated default and failures, and take appropriate action under CCS (CCA), Rules, 1965 and submit the action taken report to the tribunal," it said.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said it was undisputed that illegal activities were going on and that there was total apathy on part of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the police authorities in performing their duties.

"The said authorities have merely shifted the responsibility from one to the other. According to DPCC, the responsibility is of the Delhi Police. According to the Delhi Police, the matter has to be dealt with by SDM under Section 133 of CrPC. This is nothing but avoiding the statutory and legal duties," the bench, also comprising Justice S P Wangdi, said.

The tribunal asked the chief secretary to send the compliance report by November 30 by e-mail and posted the matter for consideration on December 3.

The direction came on a plea filed by city resident