Delhi: Install rainwater harvesting systems or face Rs 5 lakh fine, NGT tells schools

The National Green Tribunal directs all schools and colleges in Delhi to install rainwater harvesting systems within 2 months. A fine of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed if the institutions fail to do so.

The NGT's announcement comes after Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) ordered lifting of a ban on entry of trucks and on construction activities in the city as the air quality improved to "very poor" on Thursday.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar ordered that any institution that fails to install the rainwater harvesting system within the stipulated period shall be liable to pay environment compensation of Rs 5 lakh.

The tribunal directed schools and colleges to approach a committee constituted by it. The committee will inspect the premises and grant permission to institutions for operating the system.

The committee, comprising senior officials from the education department of the Delhi government, Delhi Jal Board, Public Works Department, representative of Central Groundwater Authority and others, was formed and asked to deal with the applications from schools and colleges.

The green panel also directed the director of the Delhi education department and the Delhi Jal Board to issue notices to all such schools and colleges within three days from today.

Meanwhile, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed municipal corporations to ensure that garbage is not burnt and the sprinkling of water to control dust.

OneIndia India