Marble shops in residential areas: National Green Tribunal seeks Centre's response

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has sought the response of the Centre and Delhi government on a plea seeking removal of sand and marble shops set up in residential areas of the city in violation of green norms.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also issued notice to the three zones of Municipal Corporation of Delhi, apart from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and city government, seeking their responses by September 9.

The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by Raj Hans Bansal, who has sought sealing, removal or demolition of the shops that are illegally selling building material in the city's residential areas.

Advocate Vikas Padora, appearing on behalf of Bansal, contended that sand and marble shops have been set up in residential areas in violation of laws as well as the Delhi Master Plan and they should not be allowed to run as the dust and fumes emanating from them are hazardous to the health of residents.

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

He has alleged that despite such "illegalities" taking place right in the open, none of the three MCD zones have taken any action against such retail shop owners.

Apart from sealing or demolition of such shops, Bansal has also sought directions to the MoEF, Delhi government and the trifurcated MCD to take appropriate action as well as imposition of penalties upon the owners of such shops.