The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday asked the 101 year old prestigious Delhi Gymkhana Club to pay a fine of Rs10 lakh for violation of environmental norms. The NGT has directed the club to submit the amount of fine within two weeks.
On earlier hearing, the NGT has directed the club to pay a penalty of Rs5 lakh to avoid closure after the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), city’s pollution watchdog asked it to shut down for violating environmental norms. The DPCC had, on August 11, asked the posh club to close down for using borewells without permission, not ensuring adequate waste management, reuse of treated wastewater and rainwater harvesting. According to DPCC, five borewells were found illegal in its premises during inspection.
“The applicant (Delhi Gymkhana Club) should pay an additional sum of Rs10 lakh within two weeks. This would be in addition to the Rs5 lakh that has already been deposited by the Applicant with the NDMC for operating five bore wells stated to be located in the premises of the applicant,” the order said.
According to order, a report should be prepared stating the water consumption and the waste water generated. The amount of Rs15 lakh be adjusted between DPCC/NDMC towards the payment raised. The amount collected shall be used only for environmental issues particularly with regard to establishment of rain water harvesting system in other parts of the city.
On the water consumption, the Delhi Gymkhana Club should pay the cess in accordance with law and would also pay such other charges as directed by the Competent Authority. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee should also inspect the premises and prepare a report if the rain water harvesting system have been installed and are operational or notIJ
The DPCC said the club was using bore wells without authorisation, and had failed to ensure adequate waste management, reuse of treated wastewater and rainwater harvesting.In February this year, the DPCC issued a show-cause notice to the club asking it to explain, in 15 days, why it should not be shut down. The club submitted a reply in March and said corrective measures have been taken.
It would be recalled that earlier Delhi Government’s excise department has alleged non-payment of luxury tax worth Rs 2.92 crore and seized its bank accounts at the Punjab National Bank, the State Bank of India and the Axis Bank.
“The Delhi Gymkhana Club ltd unregistered (liable to be registered) has neither deposited luxury tax nor is getting registered under Delhi Taxes on luxuries Act, 1996 in spite of assessment done by luxury Tax officer and rejection of 1st and 2nd appeals by appellate authorities. And therefore, recovery proceeding under Section 20 and 21 of the Act has been initiated,” the seizure order issued by Dr Puja Joshi, Deputy Commissioner (Taxes), said.