The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken swift action by forming a panel to investigate allegations of illegal groundwater extraction in north Delhi’s Kamla Nagar. This move comes after a plea was filed claiming that two individuals, involved in the construction of large-scale commercial buildings on Bungalow Road, were illegally extracting groundwater using borewells.
In its order on December 11, 2024, the NGT bench, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel, emphasized the need to ascertain the facts surrounding this issue. The tribunal appointed a joint committee, consisting of representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), to conduct a thorough investigation. The committee has been tasked with visiting the site, determining the number of borewells installed, and verifying whether the required permissions from competent authorities were obtained for groundwater extraction. The committee is expected to submit its findings within six weeks. The NGT’s order also directs responses from various concerned authorities, including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the sub-divisional magistrate of Burari, MCD, the Central Groundwater Authority, and the Central Groundwater Board. Additionally, the Roop Nagar police station has been instructed to provide their inputs on the matter.
This case highlights growing concerns about unsustainable groundwater use in urban areas, particularly in high-density construction zones. The NGT’s proactive stance underscores its commitment to ensuring environmental protection and the responsible management of natural resources. As the investigation progresses, the findings could have significant implications for the regulation of groundwater extraction in Delhi, especially as urbanization continues to intensify. The NGT’s focus on both private and governmental responsibility in such matters signals a stronger commitment to safeguarding Delhi’s water resources and curbing environmental exploitation.
