The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the national capital recently presented a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), suggesting an increase of 50 percent in penalties for non-residential units. The report highlights the need for stricter measures to enforce environmental regulations. According to the AAP government, this higher penalty would serve as a deterrent and encourage non-residential units to comply with the prescribed norms. The proposal aims to ensure greater accountability and adherence to environmental standards in commercial and industrial establishments.
In a recent development, the Delhi government has put forth a proposal to impose significant environmental penalties on property owners who fail to maintain functional rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems on their premises. The suggested penalties, reaching up to Rs 5 lakh, are aimed at ensuring compliance with the mandatory RWH systems introduced by the government in 2012.
According to a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has recommended a penalty increase of 50 percent for non-residential properties. The proposed penalties vary based on the size of the property, with an environmental compensation of Rs 50,000 for plots measuring 100 sq.m to 500 sq.m, Rs 1 lakh for plots between 501 sq.m and 2,000 sq.m, Rs 2 lakh for plots between 2,000 sq.m and 5,000 sq.m, and Rs 5 lakh for plots exceeding 5,000 sq.m.
The NGT previously directed the Delhi chief secretary to file an action-taken report after a petition highlighted issues regarding malfunctioning RWH systems in numerous societies in Dwarka. In response, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) was instructed to collaborate with the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and take remedial actions, raise awareness, and prevent groundwater extraction. Furthermore, a joint committee comprising the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), and Ministry of Urban Development was formed to assess the situation and consider similar measures nationwide.
To further incentivize compliance, the Delhi government has announced the withdrawal of water bill rebates provided to societies and institutions lacking functional RWH systems. Currently, non-compliance with RWH regulations incurs a penalty of one-and-a-half times the water bill amount, whereas a 10 percent rebate is granted for properties with installed RWH systems.
The proposal by the Delhi government underscores its commitment to address water scarcity and promote sustainable water management practices in the city. By imposing substantial environmental compensation, the government aims to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems, fostering water conservation efforts across the national capital.
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