Introduction:

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently levied fines on Delhi’s Public Welfare Department (PWD), the Delhi government, and the Forest Department over their alleged failure to respond adequately to environmental violations at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. The NGT, comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Sudhir Agarwal, and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, expressed dissatisfaction with the PWD’s delayed response and the Forest Department’s incomplete report.

Arguments of Both Sides:

An application alleged environmental norm violations at 6 Flag Staff Road, the official residence of Delhi CM, by PWD, Delhi. The applicant claimed that permanent and semi-permanent constructions occurred, and over 20 trees were cut without approval from the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC). In November 2020, DUAC declined approval. The NGT had earlier formed a joint committee to investigate, but no report was filed in July 2023. PWD sought additional time in October 2023 but failed to submit required documents. The Forest Department’s report was deemed incomplete.

Court’s Judgement:

The NGT imposed a cost of Rs. 10,000 on PWD and the Delhi government for their failure to file responses, with an additional Rs. 15,000 on the Forest Department for an incomplete report. The tribunal granted a further two weeks for PWD and the Delhi government to respond, subject to the deposited cost. The joint committee’s report was accepted with a Rs. 15,000 fine for missing annexures. The matter is scheduled for further consideration on March 04, 2024.