The Delhi High Court has directed the authorities to "scrupulously follow" the provision of rainwater harvesting norms contained in the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) 2021 as well as the unified building bye-laws and to take action against the violators.
The direction by a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar came while disposing of a PIL initiated by the high court in connection with improving the status of depleting ground water condition in the national capital through rainwater harvesting.
The court disposed of the matter after noting the various steps taken by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and the municipal authorities to ensure implementation of rainwater harvesting in the city.
The local authorities had also told the bench that there is a provision for rainwater harvesting in chapter 9.1.1 of MPD 2021 and in chapter 10 of Unified Building Bye-Laws for Delhi, 2016.
Taking note of the submissions, the court said: "We, therefore, expect that the provision (for rainwater harvesting) contained in the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021 and Unified Building Bye-Laws, shall be scrupulously followed by them and in case of any violation, action will be initiated against the erring persons in accordance with law after giving them an adequate opportunity of being heard."
The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) had told the bench that looking at the the necessity of rainwater harvesting systems, it has already installed it in as many as in 381 schools under its jurisdiction.
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"Moreover, it has been made mandatory for all establishments over 500 square meters, whether old or new, to install rainwater harvesting systems and only after complying with the mandatory requirement, the plot plans are now being approved," SDMC had told the court.
DJB, in its affidavit, had told the court that it has taken several steps like providing rebate and penal provisions in its tariff regulations for implementation and non-implementation of rainwater harvesting systems.
"As per the tariff regulations, 10 per cent rebate is applicable in water bills for plot size of 100 square meters and above for having adequate and functional rainwater harvesting systems. Penal provisions are applicable for plot size of 500 square meters and above, accordingly, non-implementation of rainwater harvesting system invites penalty and water bills are increased by 1.5 times," DJB had told the court.
The other steps taken by DJB also included continuously carrying out citizen awareness programmes on conservation of water and rainwater harvesting and providing financial assistance for installing rainwater harvesting systems.
However, the financial assistance was discontinued after introduction of rebate feature in water bills, it had told the court.
"In view of the aforesaid steps that have already been initiated by the respondent no.1 (DJB) for ensuring rainwater harvesting, we see no reason to further monitor this case," the bench said.
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