Illegal groundwater extraction in Delhi: NGT directs Chief Secy to ascertain authority's responsibility

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Chief Secretary of Delhi to determine which authority is responsible for regulating illegal groundwater extraction. The directive follows confusion among various respondents about their responsibilities.
The issue involved was the illegal extraction of groundwater by 536 hotels/guest houses operating in the Paharganj area of Delhi.
On 06.02.2024, the Tribunal has directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to "place on record the details of such communications issued to the authorized officer to take action against the unauthorized illegal borewells".
Earlier, the DJB has field the status report on 05.02.2024 with copy of lists of 412 hotels/guest houses extracting ground water without permission, out of which, 257 units who had not applied under the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme, and the 155 units who had applied under Voluntary Disclosure Scheme.
In a recent National Green Tribunal (NGT) hearing, it was found that there was confusion among various respondents about which authority is responsible for overseeing illegal groundwater extraction in Delhi.
The DJB Counsel pointed to the District Level Advisory Committee, while the DPCC Counsel referred to Clause 6 of a 2010 Notification, indicating that Deputy Commissioners of Revenue areas should handle such matters. The GNCTD Counsel admitted uncertainty about the responsible officer.
The NGT expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and shifting responsibilities among authorities. Consequently, the tribunal directed the Chief Secretary of NCT Delhi to determine the correct authority for groundwater regulation and ensure that a report on action against violators is filed before the tribunal. The case is scheduled to be reviewed again on 3 September 2024.