Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal extraction of groundwater in Manakpura, Delhi by the water mafia, 13/05/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Naresh Kumar Vs Government of NCT of Delhi & Others dated 13/05/2025.
The matter is related to illegal extraction of groundwater in Manakpura, Delhi by the water supply mafia. According to the complainant, one Hemant has illegally drilled a borewell in his premises and is extracting groundwater at brisk pace and in huge quantities for the last about more than 7-8 months.
Further, he is supplying the illegally extracted groundwater to the commercial establishments on a very large scale. Also, he has established an illegal water purification plant in his premises. The concerned person has connections with Delhi Police and Delhi Jal Board (DJB), thus no action has been initiated either by the Delhi Jal Board or the Delhi Policy against his.
As per an estimate Hemant is extracting more than 5 lakhs Litters of ground water daily and is supplying the same in the vicinity. The applicant also filed photographs and videography of the matter.
The NGT directed the concerned authorities to file their reply on the matter. The authorities included the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi; Central Ground Water Authority; Delhi Jal Board among others. Further, the court directed the constitution of a joint committee to look into the matter. The committee has been directed to visit the spot, verify the factual position, suggest appropriate remedial action and submit its report.