NGT seeks petitioner’s reply on his plea forrelief from DPCC order

It directs him to deposit 50% of fine

Following an appeal against a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) order imposing a fine of ₹5 lakh on a shop owner for carrying out industrial activities in a residential area, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought the petitioner’s reply and also directed him to deposit 50% of the fine amount till the matter is resolved. Taking note of submissions made by the appellant, a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said: “It is seen that the residential premise was being admittedly used as godown for storing manufactured items in the factory operated in non-conforming area in the adjoining premises. It is not explained whether the manufacturing process was legally permissible and non-polluting.” “Thus, while it is difficult to accept that the appellant is not at all liable when the premises have been admittedly sealed for illegal user, at the same time in the impugned order, there is no specific consideration of stand of the appellant,” the Bench said.