NGT Takes Up Plea Over Norm Violations At Central Delhi Site

New Delhi: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken up an application alleging environmental violations by private agencies at Central Square Complex located at Bara Hindu Rao in central Delhi. The site, the application claimed, has become a festering ecological hazard in the heart of the city.According to the petitioner, the crater collected untreated sewage and polluted run-off, creating stagnant and toxic water conditions. Contending that the project's environmental clearance has expired, the application also alleged illegal felling of trees, unauthorised borewell operations and non-compliance with mandatory environmental clearance conditions, particularly the failure to erect proper barricading and warning signage around the hazardous excavation site.Taking cognisance of the plea, the tribunal bench, headed by NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, observed that the matter raised substantial issues relating to compliance with environmental norms and safeguards. It underscored the need for regulatory scrutiny where environmental degradation and public safety risks are alleged.The counsel for the applicant has submitted that though the complaint was made to the different authorities, no action was taken and the illegally excavated crater became a danger to the residents in the neighbourhood, NGT pointed out in its Feb 10 order.NGT asked all respondents to file their replies while instructing the petitioner to serve copies of the application to all parties concerned. Delhi Pollution Control Committee has also been asked to inspect the site, assess compliance with environmental norms and take appropriate action. The matter will be heard again on May 20.