The National Green Tribunal directed Delhi Jal Board (DJB) not to surrender the amount allocated to it in the last fiscal for rejuvenation of Yamuna to the Delhi government.
The green panel also made it clear that DJB would spend these funds for restoration during the year and the implementation of its “Maili se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalisation Project.” “In the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, we direct that the amounts would not be surrendered and the same would remain attached...for secure execution and compliance of the main judgment dated January 13, 2015 which is entirely based on the proposal submitted by the DJB and accepted by the Principal Committee constituted,” a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said. The tribunal passed the direction after the counsel appearing for the DJB expressed apprehension that since the new fiscal year has started, the amount available with it will have to be surrendered. The counsel said that in such a scenario, the board would be devoid of funds while contractors have to be paid for the work they have already done.
NGT had earlier slammed DJB for spending money on Yamuna without its permission.
