NGT raps DJB over "vague" affidavit on expenditure on Yamuna

The National Green Tribunal today came down heavily on Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for submitting "insufficient and vague" response with regard to expenditure on drain-related works and implementation of its 'Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna' Revitalization Plan, 2017.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar pulled DJB for acting in contravention to the order of the green panel which restrained the jal board from spending without prior approval of the tribunal and warned it of "harsh" action.
DJB, in an affidavit, told the bench that a total of Rs 576 crore has been spent till January 16 (in current fiscal) on interceptor sewer project, maintenance of old trunk peripheral sewers, STPs and pumping stations, branch sewers and providing sewerage facilities in unauthorised colonies.

"The affidavit filed on behalf Delhi Jal Board is insufficient, inadequate and is vague. Prima facie it appears to us that DJB has acted contrary to the orders of the tribunal.
"Before we take any action let Member Technical and concerned Chief Engineer collectively file an affidavit in terms of the order. They should file a comprehensive and definite affidavit. We make it clear that we will not grant any further opportunity," the bench said while fixing the matter for further consideration on March 8.
On January 9, the tribunal had reprimanded DJB for spending money on drain integration work without its permission, observing that despite spending heavily, the pollution level in the river has become worse.

It had also issued notice to Chief Engineer of DJB and asked him to file a personal affidavit as to whether any amount has been spent or not.

NGT had also constituted a committee comprising Member Secretary of Central Pollution Control Board and Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Chief Engineer of DJB and Delhi Development Authority and professor R Kosa from IIT-Delhi.
It had asked this team to submit report on the actual discharge from each drain that joins Yamuna and the measure load on points where Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are sought to be constructed under Phase-I (Najafgarh drain to Delhi Gate drain) as directed by the tribunal.

In November last year, the tribunal had restrained DJB from spending on Yamuna without prior approval till the verdict is passed on the issue, after it was informed that over Rs 900 crore has been spent for cleaning the river.