NGT seeks response from 15 hotels on rain water harvesting

The National Green Tribunal has issued notice to 15 hotels, including several five-star establishments, for not installing proper rainwater harvesting systems in their premises.
A bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar sought response of Ashok Hotel, Claridges Hotel Pvt Ltd, Hotel Samrat, Jaypee Vasant Continental, Sunair Hotels Ltd (Nikko Hotel), Lalit Hotel (A Unit of Bharat Hotels Limited), Oberoi Hotel, Park Hotel, Hotel Crowne Plaza Surya, Hotel Crowne Plaza, Piccadily Hotel, Indus Hotel and Spa, Today's Hotel, Lemon Tree and Red Fox Hotel.
The bench also sought response from 28 malls and commercial buildings in the capital over the issue and posted the matter for next hearing on December 22.

"Let registry issue notice to all these 15 hotels as well to appear before the tribunal on the next date of hearing.
"The above 28+15 notices have to show cause as to why they have not constructed rainwater harvesting systems in their respective premises and why action against them in accordance with law be not directed to be taken," the bench said.
During the hearing, the counsel for Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) informed the bench that it had issued notices to 67 malls and commercial buildings here.
The tribunal was hearing a plea by Vikrant Kumar Tongad who had sought directions to DMRC to "install proper rainwater harvesting system" on all its existing as well as proposed and under-construction metro stations, tracks and depots.

In his petition, Tongad had submitted if rainwater harvesting system is properly installed at all stations, tracks and depots of DMRC, about 6.37 crore litres of water can be saved.