Rainwater harvesting: NGT issues notice to HUDA

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal today issued a notice to Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) for allegedly damaging the rainwater harvesting systems of Rapid Metro in Gurgaon.

The Tribunal's order came after the counsel, appearing for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRC), informed the bench that its 25 rainwater harvesting systems in Haryana were blocked due to construction work being carried out by HUDA.

A bench, headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar, sought a response from HUDA and directed it to appear before the Tribunal on October 28, the next date of hearing.

"In regard to the installation of the rainwater harvesting system by the Delhi Metro and the Rapid Metro, Gurgaon, it is stated that they have not installed and, if installed, rain water harvesting systems are not operational.

"Issue notice to HUDA to be present before the Tribunal on the next date of hearing," the bench said.

During the hearing, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) submitted an additional status report with regard to 100 hospitals in the city.

The bench, after perusing the report, directed the four committees constituted by it to inspect the hospitals and ascertain whether they have installed the rainwater harvesting system or not.

The Tribunal had on July 4 constituted four committees comprising members of DPCC, Delhi government, Delhi Jal Board and Central Ground Water Authority officials to examine the installation of rainwater harvesting systems.