NGT to DJB: Don’t spend single penny on Yamuna

The NGT on Monday took the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to task for spending money on Yamuna without its permission and directed it not to spend a “single penny” on rejuvenation of the river without its approval.

“The DJB will not spent single penny except maintenance as already directed. The DJB shall file complete and comprehensive details in relation to each work... The DJB shall make it certain that the directions issued by the tribunal are not violated in any manner whatsoever,” a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.

The green panel took exception to the fact that despite its specific directions, which restr-ained the DJB from spe-nding without the NGT’s prior approval, the board had incurred expenses on drain integration work. The matter is listed for next hearing on March 30.

NGT had earlier const-ituted a committee and asked it to submit report on the actual discharge from each drain that joins Yamuna and the measure load on points where Sewage Treatme-nt Plants are sought to be constructed under Phase-I of the project.