Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Tilak Raj & Others Vs Govt. of NCT of Delhi dated 27/08/2021.

Grievance in the application was against the unscientific dumping of sewage by tractors/vehicles of the septic tank cleaners at Sangam Vihar, Deoli, Delhi. According to the applicant, these activities are causing serious damage to the environment which remains unchecked by the regulatory authorities.

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An action taken report was filed by the DPCC, August 17, 2021 to the effect that at the site in question, no disposal of waste was found. That the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had given license to 208 entities for disposal of the waste from six designated disposal locations in the area.

The NGT, August 27, 2021 called the DPCC report incomplete and said that it does not show how the waste is being disposed of after collection by the entities to whom licenses have been given. Also, it was not clear whether the entire quantity of waste collected is being brought at the designated disposal locations and the end destination and manner of disposal.

The court directed the Secretary, Urban Development, Delhi and the Secretary Environment, Delhi to hold a joint meeting on the subject with the concerned authorities, including the concerned Municipal Corporations and DJB to decide the course of action for compliance with the statutory mandate of ensuring scientific disposal of sewage collected by the tractors/vehicles, in pursuance of licenses given by the Delhi government. Action is required so as to ensure that septage/fecal material going to the pre- identified fecal sludge sewage treatment plant till connectivity of septage to the sewer lines takes place, by the concerned households taking the requisite connections.