Scrap market closure: Assembly elections delay NGT's order

NEW DELHI: Delhi Pollution Control Committee ( DPCC) has informed the National Green Tribunal that it has not been able to effect closure of scrap market at Gokalpur village in north Delhi as authorities are busy with the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled on February 7.

A bench, headed by Justice P Jyothimani, had in December last year directed the closure of the market for causing noise pollution after perusing the status report filed by DPCC.

"In spite of the earlier order...the counsel appearing for DPCC submits that due to various reasons, including the Delhi Assembly Election, 2015 which is going to be completed on February 10, 2015, the police is not able to assist and they have not been able to effect closure of the disturbing units," it noted.

"In such view of the matter, we appoint advocates Rohit Sharma along with Karan Dev Chopra, to be Court Commissioners who shall visit the entire area and submit report," the bench said while posting the matter for next hearing on February 24.

Advocate Balendu Sekhar, appearing for Delhi Development Authority, told the bench that due to the Delhi Assembly elections, police authorities would not be able to assist Court Commissioners and without their assistance, it may not be safe to visit and complete the process since it is a very sensitive area.

Taking note of submissions, the Tribunal directed the Court Commissioners to visit the spot after February 10 and submit their status report before it.