NGT Seeks Answers on Urban Flooding Tied to Disappearing Water Bodies

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested responses from various authorities, including the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, about the connection between urban flooding in Delhi and the disappearance of water bodies. The issue will be further discussed on December 11.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called on the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and other relevant bodies to address the urban flooding incidents in Delhi and their link to disappearing water bodies and wetlands.

The tribunal took suo motu cognisance of a report suggesting that the flooding is largely due to inadequate drainage and the loss of water bodies, though factors like heavy rainfall and climate change also play roles.

NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad noted that the news highlights significant environmental compliance issues. The tribunal ordered the named authorities, including the DPCC, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Delhi Wetland Authority, to respond by affidavit. The hearing is set for December 11.

(With inputs from agencies.)