Delhi: NGT imposes fine of Rs 50 crore on Kejriwal govt

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs 50 crore on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government for not taking any action against steel pickling units in residential areas as they fall under the prohibited list of industrial activity.

A four-member bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice AK Goel passed the order for not closing the industrial units despite its specific directions. The NGT bench has also ordered immediate shut down of these units.

It further directed the Chief Secretary, Delhi government, to constitute a three-member committee to fix accountability and submit a report to the Tribunal explaining how these units were permitted to operate.

Notably, the order came on a plea filed by an NGO, the All India Lokadhikar Sangthan, seeking the execution of its order by which the green panel had directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take action against stainless steel pickling industries in residential areas as they fall under the prohibited list of industrial activity as per the Delhi Master Plan (DMP), 2021.

According to the documents submitted to NGT in the past, there are around 90 such units which release liquid waste in Yamuna River. However, the Delhi government has failed to take action against those units.

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