Yamuna expenditure details 'inadequate and vague', NGT slams Jal Board

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday pulled up the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for spending crores of money on projects related to Yamuna cleaning "contrary to orders of the Tribunal." Earlier this month, the Tribunal had asked DJB to give a detailed account of money spent on Yamuna cleaning as it had been asked to disburse funds only after the NGT's due permissions.

DJB submitted his affidavit on Monday and defended its expenditure on different projects. As per DJB's affidavit, Rs576 crore was spent in current financial year on interceptor sewer project, maintenance and strengthening of old truck-peripheral sewers, maintenance of old sewage treatment plants and on-going works related to STP's, internal sewer line maintenance in residential areas and on projects related to sewerage facilities in unauthorized colonies.

But DJB's affidavit detailing their expenditure left the Tribunal unimpressed. The order of the bench, chaired by justice Swatanter Kumar, said, "The affidavit filed on behalf DJB is insufficient, inadequate and is vague. Prima facie it appears to us that DJB has acted contrary to the orders of the Tribunal. Before we take any action let Member Technical and concerned Chief Engineer collectively file an affidavit in terms of the order dated 19th February, 2016. They should file a comprehensive and definite affidavit. We make it clear that we will not grant any further opportunity." The NGT bench also warned Jal Board of harsh action.

Earlier this month, the NGT had already slammed the DJB when it observed that despite its clear instructions, huge amounts of money was spent on Yamuna cleaning with little or no improvement. In fact last November, after learning that nearly Rs900 crore were spent on Yamuna cleaning, the NGT bench had directed DJB to not spend any more without its approval.

In its past order, the NGT had stressed,"Out of Plan-Expenditure of DJB, no amount in regard to sewage network and establishment of sewage treatment plant will be incurred by DJB at all. The expenditure that would be incurred; would be for the maintenance purposes only. It was because of the limitation of the finances available that this direction was issued from time to time.