NGT seeks report on garbage dumping outside Jahagirpuri metro station in Delhi

The National Green Tribunal has taken cognisance of a news report about choking of drains and dumping of garbage outside the Jahagirpuri metro station and sought a report on the issue within a month.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel formed a committee comprising the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, North Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Public Works Department.

The DPCC will be the nodal agency for compliance and coordination, the tribunal said.

"Footpath outside Gate No.1 is covered with human and animal excreta. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation informed the local civic agencies including the PWD and North Delhi Municipal Corporation but with no result. There is also problem of water logging. Let a factual and action taken report be furnished by a joint committee," the bench said in a recent order.

The matter is posted for next hearing on November 5.

The tribunal's direction came after taking cognisance of a news report by The Times of India about choking of drains outside the Jahagirpuri metro station.

"If choked drains, human excreta and garbage dumped right outside the station are not enough to assault your senses, the knowledge that things may not change anytime soon surely will nauseate you, what with agencies responding to the mess with their typical 'not our problem' stance," the news article said.

The article further highlights that dug-up footpaths and laying drainage pipes in the middle of the monsoon season add to the woes.

"And while problems of last-mile connectivity in the city are well documented, the wait for buses or Gramin Sewa in this stinking mess is surely a test of patience. Oblivious to a notice board that warns of a Rs 200 fine for urinating on the walls, one can see someone doing just that," the article said.