'Traders carry out business at night'

Despite the imposition of a ban on marble trade by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi, dealers at the Sikanderpur marble market seem to be flouting rules with impunity.

Despite the imposition of a ban on marble trade by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi, dealers at the Sikanderpur marble market seem to be flouting rules with impunity.

HT Image

It is alleged that traders carry out business during the night and under the nose of the local municipal authorities.

An eyewitness told Hindustan Times that a few days ago, the police had nabbed two trucks on which marble was being loaded at Sikanderpur.

The eyewitness, who refused to be named, told HT that the ban was being openly flouted.

"The police acted when we informed them about the illegal trade. But not a single FIR was registered against any trader for violating the NGT order," he said, adding that, "the police and local municipal authorities have failed to check the illegal trade at night."

The police, however, refuted the allegations stating, "We did not nab the trucks. Rather we questioned the drivers when they approached the marble market."

Refuting the allegations, a senior official of the municipal corporation, said, "Ever since the NGT order was passed two months ago, illegal trade is not being carried out during night at Sikanderpur marble market. However, we've submitted an affidavit in the NGT which will pronounce its final decision in a couple of days."

The NGT's decision on the fate of marble trade from the Sikanderpur market is likely to come on Monday.