NGT summons Delhi Environment Secretary over dirty water issue

The National Green Tribunal has taken exception to non-submission of status report on quality of water supplied to households in the national capital by the Delhi government despite repeated directions.

Noting that not even a single report has been filed till date, the bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar summoned the Environment Secretary of Delhi government with the report on the next date of hearing - September 9.

"Vide our judgment dated December 10, 2015, orders dated May 31, 2016 and July 27, 2016 we had granted last opportunity for filing the report, no report has been filed till date. We direct Secretary, Environment, NCT of Delhi to be present in person with complete records of the Committee proceedings on September 9, 2016," the bench said.

The appalling picture of water supply in the capital had last year prompted the tribunal to seek the response of the city government in the matter. The green panel had taken suo moto cognisance of a newspaper report, which had revealed that the "stinking and dirty" water flowing through water supply lines and the borewells were pumping out contaminated water.

Later, it had constituted a committee comprising Secretary Environment and representatives from Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi Jal Board, Central Pollution Control Board and all municipal corporations and asked them to submit a complete and comprehensive report.

"The Committee will ensure that samples of the water from different areas are collected, analysed and reports be placed before it before submission of the final report," it had said.