NGT irked over dirty New Delhi railway station; seeks report

NEW DELHI: Perturbed over the "miserable condition" existing on railway platforms in the national capital, the National Green Tribunal today appointed a local commissioner to inspect the New Delhi Railway Station.

"Keeping in view the miserable condition that is prevailing despite specific orders of the Tribunal, we are of the considered view that some urgent action needs to be taken against the erring authorities or the persons engaged for conducting the work," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Swatanter Kumar said.

The green panel appointed advocate Sanjay Upadhyay as a local commissioner in the matter and asked him to inspect the New Delhi Railway Station today itself.

"He is at liberty to prepare videography or take photographs on his own. He shall be accompanied by the counsel appearing for the Railways. All proper arrangements including security should be provided forthwith," the bench said, directing the local commissioner to file a report in three days.

The matter is listed for next hearing on December 22.

The Tribunal's direction came on a petition filed by lawyers Saloni Singh and Arush Pathania, which had said that the railway authorities have failed to perform their statutory duties and were indirectly responsible for causing pollution on railway properties, particularly on the tracks.

Cracking the whip on those littering on railway platforms and tracks, the Tribunal had announced a fine of Rs 5,000 on individuals spotted littering or throwing waste on the platforms and tracks.