NGT asks government to check pollution due to weddings

The National Green Tribunal has rapped the Delhi government over delay in devising strategy for better implementation of pollution control laws and directed it to convene a meeting in this regard within two weeks after a plea drew attention to violation of rules during weddings.

Noting that bursting of crackers, use of diesel generators and loudspeakers were the main sources of air and noise pollution, the green panel asked the Delhi government to strictly enforce the laws on pollution in the capital.

The green bench was hearing a plea by Delhi resident Ved Pal, who said that wedding processions in Delhi-NCR violate laws on noise pollution that restrict any loud music system without prior permission from the authorities.

“It is made clear that the meeting of the sub-divisional magistrates shall be convened within two weeks and the applicant (Pal) shall be invited and his suggestions shall also be considered in the meeting,” a bench headed by Justice M.S. Nambiar said.

On February 1, the tribunal had ordered the government to call a meeting of all sub-divisional magistrates in this regard. “It is not in dispute that standards for controlling air and noise pollution are in place. Question is only of implementation.”

However, when the matter came up for hearing, the Delhi government told the tribunal that the meeting on the issue could not be convened and sought more time.

The matter is now listed for next hearing on April 27.

In a related matter, the tribunal has also directed Central Ground Water Authority and Delhi Jal Board to fix a uniform procedure for installation of rainwater harvesting system in hotels, hospitals and malls in the national capital.

The green panel asked CGWA, DJB and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to convene a meeting within 10 days and prescribe a format and proper design for rainwater harvesting system.

“There should be a uniform procedure in respect of the rainwater harvesting system, approved by CGWA/DJB. As it is disclosed that there is no such uniform procedure, we direct CGWA, DJB and DPCC to convene a meeting within 10 days and fix a uniform procedure, prescribe a format as well as proper design for rainwater harvesting system to be installed by hotels, hospitals and malls,” a bench headed by Justice M.S. Nambiar said. It also directed that inspections be conducted in Jaypee Sidharth Hotel and IBIS Hotel to check whether rainwater harvesting systems of the two hotels were installed as per law.