NGT imposes cost on DJB for failing to submit compliance report on STPs

New Delhi: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for failing to submit a compliance report in a matter related to the sewage treatment plants (STPs) at New Kondli, Mayur Vihar Phase-3. The applicant alleged that the STPs emitted a foul odour and toxic gases, affecting nearby residents. NGT had earlier directed the DJB and VA Tech Wabag Ltd, which manages the Kondli STPs, to pay Rs 10 lakh as environmental compensation under the "Polluter Pays" principle. The tribunal observed that DJB is yet to deposit the compensation.In 2023, two residents wrote to NGT, raising grievances regarding the non-compliance of the STPs at New Kondli. They alleged that the STPs emitted a foul smell and released poisonous gases, creating problems for nearby residents.In an order dated July 10, 2024, NGT observed that DJB and M/s VA Tech Wabag Limited, were liable to pay the environmental compensation for violations and the environmental damage that they had caused. "The DPCC is directed to initiate appropriate proceedings for the imposition and realisation of the environmental compensation on DJB and M/s VA Tech Wabag Limited in accordance with the law and, upon realisation thereof, to utilise the amount of environmental compensation for the restoration of the environment in the area," the tribunal said and disposed of the original application.However, a miscellaneous application was filed before NGT seeking compliance with NGT's July 10, 2024, order. "DPCC complied with the aforesaid directions of the tribunal and submitted the report dated Dec 18, 2024, but DJB has not complied with the order of the tribunal, and no report by DJB has been filed till now," the bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava said in an order dated July 8, which was shared on Sunday.The tribunal noted that the compliance report filed by the DPCC revealed that environmental compensation of Rs 10 lakh was imposed via an order dated July 10, 2024, upon DJB. "The counsel for DJB, appearing today, does not dispute that even that order is not complied with and environmental compensation has not been deposited by DJB," NGT said.NGT has granted two weeks to DJB to file the compliance report, subject to depositing the cost of Rs 25,000 with the secretary of the NGT Bar Association in one week. "The cost amount will be utilised by the NGT Bar Association for purchasing books on environment to be kept in the library of the NGT Bar Association within two months," the bench said. The matter will be next heard on Aug 8. New Delhi: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for failing to submit a compliance report in a matter related to the sewage treatment plants (STPs) at New Kondli, Mayur Vihar Phase-3. The applicant alleged that the STPs emitted a foul odour and toxic gases, affecting nearby residents. NGT had earlier directed the DJB and VA Tech Wabag Ltd, which manages the Kondli STPs, to pay Rs 10 lakh as environmental compensation under the "Polluter Pays" principle. The tribunal observed that DJB is yet to deposit the compensation.In 2023, two residents wrote to NGT, raising grievances regarding the non-compliance of the STPs at New Kondli. They alleged that the STPs emitted a foul smell and released poisonous gases, creating problems for nearby residents.In an order dated July 10, 2024, NGT observed that DJB and M/s VA Tech Wabag Limited, were liable to pay the environmental compensation for violations and the environmental damage that they had caused. "The DPCC is directed to initiate appropriate proceedings for the imposition and realisation of the environmental compensation on DJB and M/s VA Tech Wabag Limited in accordance with the law and, upon realisation thereof, to utilise the amount of environmental compensation for the restoration of the environment in the area," the tribunal said and disposed of the original application.However, a miscellaneous application was filed before NGT seeking compliance with NGT's July 10, 2024, order. "DPCC complied with the aforesaid directions of the tribunal and submitted the report dated Dec 18, 2024, but DJB has not complied with the order of the tribunal, and no report by DJB has been filed till now," the bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava said in an order dated July 8, which was shared on Sunday.The tribunal noted that the compliance report filed by the DPCC revealed that environmental compensation of Rs 10 lakh was imposed via an order dated July 10, 2024, upon DJB. "The counsel for DJB, appearing today, does not dispute that even that order is not complied with and environmental compensation has not been deposited by DJB," NGT said.NGT has granted two weeks to DJB to file the compliance report, subject to depositing the cost of Rs 25,000 with the secretary of the NGT Bar Association in one week. "The cost amount will be utilised by the NGT Bar Association for purchasing books on environment to be kept in the library of the NGT Bar Association within two months," the bench said. The matter will be next heard on Aug 8.