Delhi’s Chief Secretary to Identify Authority for Stopping Illegal Groundwater Extraction

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Chief Secretary of Delhi to determine which authority is responsible for regulating illegal groundwater extraction. This directive comes after confusion among various respondents about their responsibilities.

Issue at Hand

The issue involves the illegal extraction of groundwater by 536 hotels and guest houses operating in the Paharganj area of Delhi. On February 6, 2024, the Tribunal directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to provide details of communications issued to the authorized officer to take action against unauthorized illegal borewells.

Details from DJB

Earlier, on February 5, 2024, the DJB filed a status report listing 412 hotels and guest houses extracting groundwater without permission. Out of these, 257 units had not applied under the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme, while 155 units had applied.

Confusion Among Authorities

In a recent NGT hearing, confusion was evident among various respondents about which authority is responsible for overseeing illegal groundwater extraction in Delhi. The DJB Counsel pointed to the District Level Advisory Committee, while the DPCC Counsel referred to a 2010 Notification indicating that Deputy Commissioners of Revenue areas should handle such matters. The GNCTD Counsel admitted uncertainty about the responsible officer.

NGT’s Directive

The NGT expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and shifting responsibilities among authorities. Consequently, the tribunal directed the Chief Secretary of NCT Delhi to determine the correct authority for groundwater regulation and ensure that a report on action against violators is filed before the tribunal. The case is scheduled to be reviewed again on September 3, 2024.