The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday recalled the bailable warrant issued against the Chief Secretary after an assurance by Delhi Government that steps are being taken for closure of 14 steel pickling industries in Wazirpur, which are operating without permission and not complying with mandatory pollution standards.
The Government also told the tribunal that notice has been issued to 14 industries giving them time to shut down their operations. Taking view of the submissions made by the Government, a bench headed by judicial member P Jyothimani recalled the bailable warrant issued against the Chief Secretary. “In view of the statement made..., the bailable warrant issued against the Chief Secretary of the Government of NCT, Delhi dated May 26, 2015 stands recalled, making it clear that the said undertaking shall be scrupulously followed...,” the bench said.
The green panel had earlier issued bailable warrant against the Chief Secretary for failure of officials to appear before it. The order came in view of a plea filed by NGO All India lokadhikar Sangthan seeking execution of NGT order directing Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take action against stainless steel pickling industries. The NGO had contended that 14 industries have not yet taken due consent of the DPCC but are continuing their activities.
The tribunal had issued notice to the Delhi Government and Delhi Jal Board to respond before it regarding the implementation of the closure orders issued to the stainless steel pickling industries. On April 30, taking note of an NGO’s plea, the tribunal directed Central Pollution Control Board to inspect stainless steel pickling industries in Wazirpur. Directing DPCC to inform it about the status of these industries, NGT had also asked it to submit whether those industries had obtained permission or not.