NGT has reprimanded Delhi Jal Board for delay in installing digital water meters in Paharganj hotels. The board has been directed to expedite action and file a fresh compliance report within four weeks in the illegal groundwater extraction case.
NGT reprimands DJB, seeks report within four weeks
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to take expeditious action on installation of digital water meters (piezometers) in hotels and guest houses in Delhi’s Paharganj area and file a fresh compliance report within four weeks. The NGT said that despite earlier instructions, the board did not take immediate action.
It is a case of illegal groundwater extraction
The bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Srivastava and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmed was hearing the execution application in a case, which pertains to alleged illegal extraction of groundwater by hotels, guest houses and other commercial establishments operating in Paharganj.
The tribunal said that under its earlier directions, the DJB had to ensure installation of piezometers so that the quantity of groundwater extracted from borewells could be measured and appropriate water charges could be levied.
According to the status report filed by the DJB on July 16, only 162 out of 555 establishments had installed digital water meters. For the remaining establishments, the DJB said it had issued reminders and final notices on July 7, 2026, directing them to install digital water meters or piezometers within seven days, failing which action will be taken as per law.
However, the tribunal found that even after more than three months had passed, 393 establishments were still extracting groundwater without any measurement mechanism. It further said that only one final reminder notice was placed on record and the DJB did not state whether similar notices were issued to all the remaining defaulting establishments. “In the circumstances, we are of the view that the DJB has failed to take prompt action in this matter,” the tribunal said.
DJB asked for four weeks’ time
During the hearing, DJB’s counsel argued that the board will now take swift action and sought four weeks’ time to submit the compliance report. Accepting the request, the tribunal gave it four weeks to file an updated report.
The tribunal also heard two interim applications filed by applicant Ved Pal Bhatia seeking directions and impleadment. It directed that copies of the applications be served on all concerned parties within three days and gave the respondents four weeks to file their replies. (ANI)
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