In accordance with regulations, structures over 100 square meters in Delhi are required to install rainwater harvesting systems, with non-compliance resulting in a 50% penalty on the monthly Delhi Jal Board bill. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has submitted a recent report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), suggesting that the NGT could issue directives to impose environmental compensation on buildings lacking functional rainwater harvesting systems.
<p>The DPCC recommends environmental compensation, ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000, for residential plots of 100 to 500 square meters and those exceeding 5000 square meters without proper rainwater harvesting systems. For non-residential buildings, a 50% increase in compensation is proposed. Authorised entities could impose these penalties, with the collected amounts utilised to enhance rainwater harvesting initiatives in Delhi.</p>
Additionally, the DPCC proposes the establishment of a joint committee, comprising representatives from the Divisional Commissioner, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Jal Board, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi, to ensure the implementation of rainwater harvesting directives. Deputy Commissioners across all districts in Delhi are urged to oversee the installation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings over 100 square meters.
The DPCC's report also addresses a case of groundwater contamination in Dwarka, stating that 180 out of 235 groundwater samples from societies in Dwarka were found to be contaminated with ammoniacal nitrogen and dissolved solids. The report attributes this contamination to the mixing of society waste in rainwater harvesting pits. The DPCC conducted the study at the request of the NGT, which is reviewing the situation and remedial actions. (The Indian Express)
The Greater Chennai Corporation is in the process of creating a white paper on the city's stormwater drain system, coupled with a comprehensive flood audit report. According to GCC Commissioner Dr J Radhakrishnan, the report will cover details on the Rs 4,000 crore worth of work, project progress, areas where drains succeeded or failed, and the reasons behind it. The report, to be finalised within a month, will also address expenditures and projects based on Thirupugazh committee recommendations. Additionally, a flood audit report is concurrently being prepared to analyse flood occurrences and suggest corrective measures. (The Times of India)
<p>In a significant step towards combating illicit mining, the Haryana Department of Mines and Geology has partnered with HARSAC to establish a dedicated Control and Command Center, announced Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal. The centre will leverage advanced satellite remote sensing technology for real-time monitoring of illegal mining, drawing inspiration from successful applications in tracking agricultural stubble burning. Kaushal emphasised the deployment of static and mobile police forces for raids, meticulous geo-referencing at mining sites, and addressing both legal and illegal mining activities.</p>
Kaushal also highlighted the successful launch of the HMGIS portal, replacing the older e-Rawaana system, and the integration of photo CCTV at weighing bridges for enhanced transparency. The system has connected 1157 weighbridges, generating 2,46,560 e-rawanas as of January 9. Director General Mines and Geology, Mandip Brar, informed about collaborative efforts with HARSAC to monitor GPS-equipped vehicles. Simultaneously, the Transport Department is formulating a scheme mandating GPS installations in all commercial vehicles.
The meeting addressed intensified mining recovery efforts, including the imposition of Environmental Cess, in response to recent events and NGT obligations. To combat illegal mining, geo-referencing at various locations is being meticulously carried out, and drones are set to be deployed for enhanced monitoring. In addressing security concerns, the department has promptly acted on recommendations by Justice LN Mittal (Retd.), forming a specialised team, Haryana State Enforcement Bureau (HSEnB), in collaboration with police personnel to oversee operations. (The Times of India)
The NGT received a report from the Union environment ministry, acknowledging the detrimental effects of asbestos sheets on human health. This response followed a petition from a visiting faculty member at the School of Planning and Architecture, urging the tribunal to prohibit the use of asbestos sheets as roofing material in schools. In reply, the environment ministry highlighted the regulation of waste asbestos under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
<p>The ministry's report explained that asbestos, being a hydrated mineral silicate with various industrial applications, could pose risks to public health, safety, and the environment. It emphasised that although asbestos in buildings doesn't spontaneously release fibres, exposure can occur through inhalation during weathering, renovation, or demolition. The report outlined the proper handling and management of asbestos-containing waste according to hazardous waste rules.</p>
Additionally, the report referred to the Central Pollution Control Board's 2008 study on human health risk assessment in asbestos-based industries in India, which included recommendations to mitigate exposure risks. The petition had raised concerns about the friability of asbestos sheets over time, leading to the release of airborne fibres in schools and potential health risks. The report concluded by highlighting previous orders and reports addressing the health hazards associated with asbestos sheets. (The Times of India)
Recently, the Supreme Court rejected a plea by the Delhi Police seeking permission to construct barracks for its trainees on the Yamuna floodplains. The Bench, led by Justice AS Oka, questioned the need for construction on the floodplains, emphasising the importance of environmental considerations. The dismissal stemmed from the floodwaters entering the Supreme Court premises last year, prompting concerns about allowing barracks on the Yamuna floodplains.
<p>The Delhi Police had approached the Supreme Court challenging a 2020 NGT order that denied permission for the project on the grounds of its location on the floodplains. The NGT had previously rejected the Delhi Police's argument that the Principal Committee, overseeing Yamuna rejuvenation, had recommended the project.</p>
In its 2015 order, the NGT had prohibited any construction on the demarcated floodplain and instructed the Principal Committee to identify existing structures. The committee was tasked with recommending which structures should or should not be demolished, especially if they were constructed in an unauthorised and illegal manner, in the interest of the environment and ecology. (The Tribune)
The NGT has instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to provide a detailed report outlining its exercised powers and a comprehensive plan addressing observations made by the bench within four weeks. The NGT criticised the CAQM for shifting responsibilities to various agencies without considering its extensive powers under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
<p>The Tribunal emphasised the need for a quantifiable action plan covering all districts in the NCR, specifying that the CAQM has exclusive powers to address air quality issues, including the authority to levy penalties and initiate prosecutions. The directive comes after the CAQM submitted a plan that delegated implementation responsibility to different agencies, prompting the NGT to underscore the importance of the Commission's independent powers. (<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-pollution-issue-delhi-air-quality-aqi-panel-ngt-caqm-9098390/">The Indian Express</a>)</p>
This is a roundup of important policy updates from 1st January to 15th January 2024.