New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) four weeks to file a compliance report following allegations that it failed to adhere to the tribunal’s directions on rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS), groundwater recharge, and quality monitoring in the Capital.
The applicant in the case claimed that while NGT had explicitly stated that RWHS should not be installed near storm water drains to prevent groundwater contamination, DJB and other agencies -- including Delhi Development Authority (DDA), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) -- have not complied.
The applicant also pointed to NGT directives mandating the installation of piezometers near RWHS to monitor groundwater levels and water quality, as well as separators to remove pollutants before recharge. “Even after nearly seven years of the order, not a single piezometer has been installed by DJB. Each department installing RWH systems must install piezometers within a 1 square km radius. With Delhi spanning 1,500 sq km, 1,500 piezometers are required, but nothing has been done, particularly by DJB,” the applicant said.
Another concern pertained to the depth of recharge borewells. The applicant alleged that “most” borewells are 100 to 400 feet deeper than the water level, violating the NGT directive that they should be at least five metres above the static water table.
{{/usCountry}}Another concern pertained to the depth of recharge borewells. The applicant alleged that “most” borewells are 100 to 400 feet deeper than the water level, violating the NGT directive that they should be at least five metres above the static water table.
{{/usCountry}}It was also alleged that deficient RWHS near storm water drains have not been closed or repaired. The applicant cited an action taken report filed by Delhi Pollution Control Committee in 2025, which showed that show cause notices had been issued to DDA and MCD over RWHS deficiencies.
DJB had sought four weeks to obtain instructions and file a further compliance report, which the NGT granted. The next hearing is scheduled for October 27.
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