NGT tells 5-star hotels in Delhi to take nod before extracting ground water

A bench headed by Justice RS Rathore said the hotels would have to apply to the Central Ground Water Authority. They would have to inform how much water they are extracting and since when.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed five-star hotels in the national capital to seek permission from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) before extracting groundwater.

The NITI Aayog had recently warned that Delhi could run out of ground water by 2020. (AFP/Picture for representation)

A bench headed by Justice RS Rathore said the hotels would have to apply to the CGWA. They would have to inform how much water they are extracting and since when.

On receiving the application, the CGWA would decide whether they should be allowed to extract more water. If it was found that total extraction of water by them was in excess of the permissible limit, they should take action.

“In view of the notification (by Lt Governor), discussion of the meeting chaired by chief secretary of Delhi and the clarification submitted before the tribunal by Director (Environment), we consider it appropriate to direct respondent nos 1 to 6 (hotels) to approach the competent authority for seeking permission to extract groundwater and submit the quantity which is required by them. This exercise shall be done within one month,” the bench said.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by a resident Shailesh Singh, who alleged that five-star hotels were withdrawing ground water without permission and should be stopped.