NGT threatens contempt proceedings against DPCC officials

The National Green Tribunal today dismissed Delhi Pollution Control Committee's contention that it is unable to inspect whether 18 units here have installed rain water harvesting systems as it lacks the expertise and threatened to initiate contempt proceedings if its order is not complied with.
Terming as "baseless" the pollution control committee's (DPCC) claim, a bench headed by Tribunal (NGT) Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed it to ensure compliance of its earlier order and asked other civic agencies to cooperate and assist DPCC.
The bench made it clear that if by next date of hearing compliance of its order is not reported, then the tribunal "will be compelled to initiate contempt proceedings" against the officials responsible for the same.

The 18 units include government departments, institutions and residential societies.
"Directions contained in our order of October 25, 2013, in relation to inspection of 18 units not being conducted by environment and forest department of Delhi government and DPCC. Counsel for DPCC has stated that since they do not have expertise, they were unable to conduct the inspection.
"This contention is baseless... DPCC as a statutory body is expected to comply with directions, and if necessary should have taken assistance of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). DPCC to ensure compliance of and all authorities, including IIT Delhi, to provide full cooperation and assistance to DPCC.

"We make it clear that if by next date compliance not reported, the tribunal will be compelled to initiate contempt proceedings...," the bench said.
It gave a last opportunity to DMRC to file its reply and warned it that if the response is not filed in time, exemplary costs will be imposed on it.