The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a cost of Rs 15,000 on the Delhi forest department for the non-submission of a proper report by a panel formed earlier to find the factual position regarding alleged violations of green norms at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.
The NGT also directed the Delhi government and its public works department (PWD) to pay a cost of Rs 10,000 each for not submitting their reports according to the tribunal’s earlier directions. The petition was filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal on behalf of an environmental activist.
The Tribunal was hearing the petition filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, representing an environmental activist, alleging the raising of permanent and semi-permanent constructions and the felling of more than 20 trees for developing structures at 6, Flag Staff Road (the chief minister’s residence) and 45-47, Rajpur Road (properties adjoining it).
In May last year, the tribunal formed a joint committee to ascertain the factual position, including the chief secretary, principal secretary (environment and forest) of Delhi, a nominee of the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC), and the district magistrate of North Delhi.
Despite repeated directions in July and October 2023, the committee failed to submit its report.
In November last year, the tribunal granted it four weeks, failing which the chief secretary was directed to appear before the green panel. The NGT, in its order, noted that no report from the joint committee was on record, and the chief secretary had not appeared by virtual mode. The deputy conservator of forests submitted a report on Monday in contravention of the NGT’s circular. The NGT accepted the report, subject to the deposit of Rs 15,000 as a cost.
The PWD sought two weeks in October 2023 to submit relevant documents but did not respond. The NGT granted a further two weeks to the PWD and the National Capital Territory (NCT) to do the needful, subject to a deposit of Rs 10,000 each.
The matter has been posted for further proceedings on March 4, 2024.