The National Green Tribunal (NGT) heard an Original Application addressing the disappearance of water bodies in Delhi and the resulting urban flooding.
The issue is also under consideration by the High Court of Delhi in W.P.(C) No. 7594/2018.
The High Court of Delhi ordered the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to complete geo-tagging and geo-referencing for ground truthing of remaining water bodies by May 15, 2024, and to prepare estimates for rejuvenation by May 30, 2024.
The court also directed the GNCTD to ensure that rejuvenated water bodies are maintained properly and remain encroachment-free.
The Wetland Authority of Delhi reported that out of 1,367 water bodies, 344 have undergone ground truthing, and 272 have been restored, with 72 in progress.
However, several listed water bodies do not exist on the ground.
The authority also disclosed 322 sites as water bodies through satellite imagery, but only 43 were found during ground truthing.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stated that the subject matter falls within the purview of local bodies and state-specific agencies, and its role is to restore and maintain the wholesomeness of water bodies under the Water Act, 1974.
The Principal Bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member Dr A Senthil Vel directed the respondents to file an affidavit within four weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on April 8, 2025.
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