Residents move NGT against Gurudwara sewage discharge

A residents welfare association has moved National Green Tribunal against 'illegal' dumping of sewage in the Saket storm water drain by a South Delhi gurudwara, prompting the green panel to seek response from Delhi government on the matter.
A bench headed by Justice M S Nambiar issued notices to the Delhi government, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi Development Authority, Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, South Delhi Municipal Corporation and others while seeking their reply within three weeks.
The matter is listed for next hearing on March 17.
The green panel was hearing a plea by H-Block Resident's Welfare Association of Saket which alleged that Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha was discharging sewage and fecal matter into the storm water drain through the pipeline passing through the colony.

It has also pointed out that Singh Sabha was installing a large number of air conditioners opposite some residential flats which would lead to release of warm air through compressors into them and also cause noise pollution.
"The applicant expresses concern over illegal dumping of sewage from the building of the Respondent no 7 (Gurudwara) through a pipeline which is running over and above the ground passing through the H-Block residential area.
"This line goes further and has punctured the roots of a huge tree to create a hole for letting out sewage into storm water drain between H and J Block, Saket. Further, frequent leakage of sewage and foul smell from this pipeline has adversely impacted the environment of the area seriously into a health hazard," the plea said.

The plea, filed through advocates Ritwick Dutta and Rahul Choudhary, has sought removal of "illegal" pipeline carrying sewage to the Saket drain and imposition of a fine on the gurudwara as per "Polluter Pays Principle".