Tribunal unhappy with DJB's reply on tubewells, calls CEO

With the Delhi Jal Board failing to give a clear picture regarding the number of tube wells in the city, the National Green Tribunal today directed the civic agency's CEO to appear before it.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar passed the order after it found the affidavit filed by the DJB "inadequate" on the questions raised by the tribunal on the last date of hearing.
It also noted that Delhi government has not yet filed a comprehensive affidavit and asked its Revenue Department's Deputy Commissioner to be present before it on September 3.
The tribunal termed as "fictitious" the statement made by the DJB in its affidavit regarding number of tube wells and said the agency was expected to inspect the areas to find out how many bore wells are there and not rely on records.

"Affidavit on behalf of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been filed on June 10, 2013. This affidavit does not in any way comply with directions contained in order of July 10, 2013. Infact it could not be as it is pre-order. The affidavit dated June 10, 2013 is inadequate and does not provide the requisite information.
"Let the CEO of DJB be present before the Tribunal on the next date of hearing. We expected the State to file a comprehensive affidavit which has not been filed. Let Deputy Commissioner of Revenue be also present on the next date of hearing," it said and listed the matter for September 3.

The NGT on the last date of hearing had directed the DJB to file an affidavit stating specifically how many tube wells are existing in Delhi, how many of them are authorised and what action has been taken against the illegal ones.

The DJB in its affidavit had stated that as per their records, there are only 55 tube wells in East Delhi and that they are no longer the competent authority which permits tube wells, rather it is the function of the Revenue Department of Delhi government.
The DJB also informed the NGT that revenue officers of each district are responsible for permitting tube wells/bore wells while the DJB is only concerned with supply of water.

Senior advocate Raj Panjwani, appearing for the NGT Bar Association which filed a plea for checking illegal extraction of ground water, contended there are over four lakh tube wells in the city and the DJB is the competent authority which gives permission for it.