Delhi Tribunal Requests Water Quality Test for Kitchner Lake

The National Green Tribunal has instructed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to analyze water samples from Kitchner Lake at Dhaula Kuan in Delhi. This decision arose amidst ongoing efforts to restore the lake following a 2024 petition highlighting its deteriorated state through photographs and allegations of inaction.

During a hearing, which included the presence of NGT Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and other expert members, it was revealed that the Delhi Development Authority had previously shared its response in February. The DDA claimed that corrective measures were implemented, asserting that the lake's water met environmental standards. However, doubts emerged over the authenticity of the evidence, particularly around the photographs submitted, which were argued to depict Jheel Park Lake instead.

The NGT has now mandated the DDA to provide further clarification in an additional affidavit and instructed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to conduct a new water quality test. The findings are to be tabled before the tribunal in anticipation of the next proceedings set for September 1.

(With inputs from agencies.)