Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Shrankhla Mittal Vs Government of NCT of Delhi & Others dated 29/08/2023.

The matter related to violation of environmental norms, especially the Noise Pollution Rules 2000 by some of the restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes in Hauz Khas, Delhi.

The action taken report filed by the SDM, Hauz Khas mentioned that environmental compensation of Rs 10,000 has been imposed on the restaurants violating environmental norms particularly the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000.

"However, the environmental compensation imposed and the remedial measures taken appear to be inadequate to the magnitude of the alleged environmental pollution and injury to the local residents caused," the court noted.

Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi directed a joint committee to be constituted to verify the factual position and take appropriate remedial action. The committee will comprise of SDM, Hauz Khas and representatives of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The committee has been entrusted to undertake visits to the area, look into the grievances of the applicant, verify the factual position regarding restaurants operating in the area and compliance with environmental norms including the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 and the directions issued by the Supreme Court and the NGT on the issue and take appropriate remedial action by following due course of law and giving opportunity of being heard to the project proponents, the order passed by the NGT said.

An action taken report has to be submitted within two months by the joint committee.

The applicant a resident of Hauz Khas village in her application said that some of the restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes have also been running live music events on open rooftops, using loudspeakers and other sound equipments, without seeking any permission from the concerned authorities.