NGT fines Delhi Rs 5 lakh for failing to curb Noise Pollution

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the Delhi Government for ignorance of noise pollution in west Delhi on February 12, 2019.

A Bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, Chairperson NGT observed that no action has been taken to comply with the directions of its order passed on September 27, 2018.

The green panel directed the Delhi Government to deposit the fine amount of Rs 5 lakh with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in a week’s time.

The NGT said that the government has neither devised a dedicated 24-hour helpline nor a public redress mechanism for receiving complaints by SMS, telephone or e-mails. There is no joint weekly review meeting conducted by the DCP and the SDM to address the situation.

The NGT passed its directions on September 27, and made the Chief Secretary of Delhi, Commissioner of Police and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) responsible for its enforcement.

As per NGT’s directions, “Chief Secretary of Delhi may nominate one SDM to deal with the issue of noise pollution. The DCP and the SDM nominated must take up a joint meeting to review the situation weekly. They may have their exclusive website for receiving and disseminating information to the public. A dedicated helpline 24-hour may be made operative which may be jointly monitored by the DCP and the SDM.”

The NGT was hearing a plea filed by Hardeep Singh and others. The plea alleged that bars and restaurants in Rajouri Garden area of west Delhi were using loudspeakers and DJ systems during weddings, receptions, parties and other functions and causing noise pollution from 10 pm to 6 am. The noise from the loudspeakers disturb the residents of the nearby locality, the plea said.