Crackdown on Illegal Groundwater Extraction in Delhi

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a firm stance against unauthorized groundwater extraction in Delhi's Mayur Vihar area, instructing the city's chief secretary to ensure necessary action is taken.

The tribunal's directive comes in response to reports that illegal borewells and a network of tankers are extracting groundwater near the Yamuna bed, adjacent to the Noida link road. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, emphasized the need for various responsible bodies, including the Delhi Jal Board and the Central Pollution Control Board, to coordinate efforts effectively.

Despite the efforts, the tribunal noted the lack of seriousness exhibited by the authorities involved, prompting the directive for Delhi's chief secretary to take a more focused approach. Notably, only two illegal borewells were discovered and sealed during investigations, but their owners remain unidentified.

(With inputs from agencies.)