NGT prohibits dumping of sewage at wetlands in capital

The National Green Tribunal today prohibited dumping of sewage and waste materials at wetlands, used by the metro rail authority, for disposal of waste material in the national capital.
The Tribunal issued a notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Delhi government, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and sought their responses on a plea seeking protection of wetlands in the national capital.
The bench was also sought from state-owned Delhi Park and Garden Society, Delhi Jal Board, and Delhi Pollution Control Committee while posting the matter for hearing on May 28.
"The respondents are restrained from releasing or storing any sewage or sludge in and around the water bodies at Dheerpur," the bench said.

The Tribunal's order came on a plea by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal who apprised it that DMRC workers were using the wetland for open defecation and dumping of solid waste in Dheerpur, leading to deposition of extra soil that was threatening the existence of the water body.
The plea sought the Tribunal's direction for protection and management of the rich green heritage of the wetland.
It said the area is a part of marshland and was important for environment because of its biological productivity, niche for many species, flood control, recreational and aesthetic values and recharging ground water sources.
"Evolve a conservative and a sound management plan for the protection of wetlands/waterbody situated in the national capital of the world's largest democracy," it said.