Check wedding hall pollution: NGT panel

New Delhi, November 13

Taking note of pollution and traffic congestion during functions at banquet halls, farmhouses and hotels here, the National Green Tribunal has formed a committee to stop activities that lead to degradation of the environment.

The green panel has also asked the committee to prepare an action plan in this regard within a month.

A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said marriage halls are violating norms by organising functions without any permission.

The committee, which has to meet at least twice a month, will be headed by the Delhi government’s urban development secretary, the tribunal said. In its first meeting, the panel has to prepare an action plan and lay down timelines for sewage disposal, groundwater extraction, rainwater harvesting, municipal solid waste management and systems for groundwater recharge.

It will also have to form a plan to check air quality due to traffic congestion and noise pollution because of use of DJ sets.

The committee will have the authority to close venues flouting norms and remove every illegal structure, it said.

The tribunal appointed former Delhi High Court judge SP Garg to oversee the working of the committee, while posting the matter for considering the report on March 8.

The tribunal said borewells dug by banquets and farmhouses are required to be sealed, after ascertaining availability of permission.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Westend Green Farms Society alleging that banquets and marriage halls operating in Mahipalpur and Rajokri near IGI airport were causing vehicular congestion and pollution. — PTI