NDMC fined

NEW DELHI: In a move aimed at saving the city's greens from being ravaged, the State Consumer Commission has slapped a fine of Rs 25 lakh on the NDMC for allowing marriages and events in Talkatora Garden a popular tourist hub next to the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In response to a plea filed by a group of morning walkers who visit the garden, the commission said Rs 5 lakh, out of the fine amount, will be recovered from salaries of the NDMC chairman and the director (horticulture).
Both of them will be liable to pay Rs 2.5 lakh each, the commission said in a bid to make this as "an exemplary case and eye-opener" for sloth officials of other civic agencies including MCD and DDA.
"It is high time that these functionaries should be taught a lesson and told their duties and functions towards the public...
In this case, we had given the choice to chairperson of NDMC, Sindhushree Khullar, to appear in person to explain her version or the action taken by her. She filed a very brief affidavit," said the commission president, Justice J D Kapoor.
While the Rs 25 lakh fine will have to be deposited by the NDMC with the State Consumer Welfare Fund, the Rs 5 lakh to be recovered from the two NDMC officials shall be remitted in the account of the civic agency, the commission said, reminding officials that any violation of the direction may invite a minimum punishment of one month under the Consumer Protection Act 1986.
"We want to make this case an exemplary case and eye-opener for every civic body," Justice Kapoor said, warning other civic agencies in the city not to misuse parks and barred them from even allowing their own employees to pitching tent or organise functions in parks.
"The NDMC is hereby restrained from holding any marriage function or party or any other event in Talkatora Garden or for that purpose in any other park maintained by it, as the aftermath turns the place into a tiny hell due to stink and stench of leftovers and heaps of garbage and causes nuisance to morning walkers.
For this purpose, it may construct new community centres," said Justice Kapoor.
Directing NDMC to restore the playing field in the Garden and the missing iron grills in the boundary wall, Justice Kapoor said: "The NDMC shall not use this garden for any purpose like holding any Mela, functions or other event as these cannot be allowed to be a source of income for it and a source of nuisance for morning walkers and residents nearby."