National Green Tribunal asks DPCC to inspect marble cutting units in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal today directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to carry out inspection in a northwest Delhi area and file a report on establishments engaged in marble cutting in residential areas.

NGT also asked the DPCC to report on the technology being used for marble cutting while stressing on precautions.

A bench headed by Justice P Jyothimani directed the DPCC to inspect Sector 4 in Rohini in northwest Delhi to ascertain the marble cutting units allegedly operating in residential areas there and also expressed concern over the risk of silicosis caused by stone dust.

"We make it clear that DPCC shall make inspection initially of Rohini Sector 4 and give its report on how many establishments engaged in marble cutting have been given licence and ways and means adopted by them..." the bench said.

The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by Raj Hans Bansal, who sought removal of shops illegally selling building material in the city's residential areas and claimed that marble shops have been set up in residential areas in violation of laws as well as Delhi Master Plan.

The petitioner said the dust and fumes emanating from them are hazardous to the health of residents.

The bench also expressed concern that if marble cutting units are operating in residential areas, the dust so released can cause silicosis which, it said, cannot be cured.

It also inquired from DPCC if there is any better technology to carry out the cutting operation to avoid emission of dust and emphasised that it and the civic agencies concerned consider precautionary principle to avoid risks.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation submitted a reply giving criterion on basis of which licence is given for commercial activities in notified regions within residential areas.

Bansal contended that "despite the prohibition contained in Master Plan 2021, various shops and establishments are selling building materials like marble, sand, bricks and concrete openly on road sides and vacant plots in residential areas."