Rs 5 lakh fine for dumping rubble in Yamuna: Green Tribunal

New Delhi, Jul 22: To deal with the persistent problem of dumping rubble in the Yamuna, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today directed that any person or authority found throwing debris will be fined Rs 5 lakh by invoking the principle of "polluter pays".

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also directed that all the debris thrown in the river bed, particularly at Geeta Colony site near Yamuna bank area, shall be removed by August 15 and that a compliance report be submitted before the next date of hearing on August 27.

"Since there is persistent problem of dumping in river Yamuna, which is causing pollution and obstruction of river bed, by invoking the principle of polluter pays, we direct that any person dumping rubble in Yamuna or its banks shall be liable to pay a sum of Rs five lakh. This is to be enforced by all authorities concerned without default," the bench said.

It clarified that the persons who will be fined for dumping rubble would include the person/authority who generated the debris, the owner of the truck used to ferry the waste and any contractor involved in the process.

It said, "Uttar Pradesh and all authorities, particularly Delhi Development Authority (DDA), East Municipal Corporation and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), shall ensure removal of debris from Geeta Colony site by August 15."

The bench gave liberty to the Secretary, MoEF to set up an expert committee to look into the issue of beautification of the river bank and submit a report by next date of hearing. It said beautification of the river should be a matter of concern to all parties involved as well as the Central Government and directed that the issue be addressed expeditiously, by all authorities "without default or demur".

The tribunal's order came while hearing a petition seeking ban on dumping of rubble in the river bed and banks of Yamuna.

PTI