The National Green Tribunal, NGT, pulls up the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, MCD, and power distribution company BSES for failing to act against illegal industrial units in East Delhi’s Gamri village.

The tribunal has provided four weeks to both agencies for filing a detailed report on the action taken by them so far. The Green Tribunal was hearing a plea by activist Varun Gulati, who alleged that several high-polluting industries were operating illegally in the area and contributing to pollution, including the discharge of pollutants in the Yamuna. These industries include electroplating and pickling units classified under the red category.

After the plea was filed, a joint inspection was carried out by the teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCC), MCD, BSES, Delhi Police, and the Revenue Department between April 7 and April 19.

On July 18, the tribunal noted that several premises were found locked during the inspection, making it difficult to inspect. However, the bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastav also observed that BSES could still determine activity through electricity meter reading.

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“It cannot be disputed that some of these units may be operating secretly. If a unit is consuming electricity for illegal operations, BSES can detect this based on meter readings, the nature of the connection, and any variation in usage. It may also conduct surprise checks to uncover unauthorised consumption,” the bench stated.

The tribunal has found DPCC doing violations and imposed environmental compensation. BSES has still not disconnected the power supply to these industries, for which the tribunal seeks a detailed report and explanation. While the MCD is being asked why no follow-up action was taken in certain cases despite violations being recorded.

“The Commissioner, MCD, is directed to file an affidavit, disclosing the actions taken against units found violating norms in the first inspection,” the tribunal’s recent order stated.