NGT Directs PWD, GNCTD to Clean Drain Clogged by Waste from Dumping Yard and Submit Report Within Six Weeks
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), has directed the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of NCT of Delhi, to take appropriate measures to clean a drain allegedly clogged by waste from a dumping yard and submit an action taken report within six weeks. The matter arose from an original application registered on the basis of a letter petition filed by the Hari Kunj Residents Welfare Association, raising grievances regarding Dhalao No. 132 located on the green belt area of Hanuman Park in Hari Nagar, New Delhi. It was alleged that the dumping yard was in a dilapidated condition and that solid waste was scattered around, creating a health hazard.
While disposing of the original application earlier, the Tribunal had permitted the applicant to file a detailed complaint before the Deputy Commissioner, West Zone, and the Member Secretary of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), directing them to conduct a spot inspection and take remedial action. However, the action taken report dated 19.06.2025 submitted by DPCC indicated that the Tribunal’s directions had not been complied with. The report stated that garbage was found spread on half of the road adjacent to the park and that the dumping yard at the boundary of Hanuman Park had caused the main road drain to become clogged.
In view of these findings, the Tribunal impleaded the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and DPCC, and later also impleaded the Secretary, Public Works Department, GNCTD. A status report filed by the Municipal Corporation disclosed that the dumping yard had been closed and cleaned, and that no garbage was being allowed to be dumped at the site. The report further indicated that the road adjacent to the dumping yard, along with the drain stated to be clogged, was under the maintenance of the Public Works Department. The Tribunal noted that despite being impleaded, the PWD had not filed any report regarding the condition of the drain.
In these circumstances, the Tribunal disposed of the application with a direction to the PWD, GNCTD, to take appropriate measures to clean the drain, if it was still clogged, and submit an action taken report before the Registrar General of the Tribunal within six weeks. It further observed that the matter could be listed again if considered necessary.
Cause Title: Guldeep Bhatia v. Govt (NCT of Delhi) & Ors.
Case No: M.A. No. 101/2025 In Original Application No. 1297/2024
Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)
