The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to use stone pitching for construction of artificial lakes in the Qutab Golf Course in South Delhi.
A Bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim asked the DDA to use such material which ensure there is no obstruction to seepage of the water into the underground water table for recharge.
Stone pitched surface is hard-wearing stone surface using large stones, set into the ground like rough cobbles to provide a reasonably level surface.
“We record the submission on behalf of respondent number 2 (DDA) that the water body shall be developed using stone pitching as a material and they shall ensure that there is no obstruction for the percolation of the water into the underground water table for its recharge.
“Respondent no 2 shall ensure rain water harvesting within the Qutab Golf area which is presently said to have two or three recharge wells. This shall be maintained and any additional facility which will improve the environment shall be made,” the Bench said.
The Green Panel also asked the DDA to ensure that no other activity is undertaken by the authorities which adversly impacts the environment.
The direction came as the NGT disposed of a plea by NGO CHETNA seeking a stay on such construction activity and asking the DDA to place on record the source of water that is intended to be used for the lakes.
The NGO had contended that the material to be used for the lake construction was Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) which was not environment friendly.
“The creation of the said lakes in an unscientific manner without any technical consultation by ground water experts would lead to an unsustainable water body which will eventually die its own death.
“The stagnation of water therein will lead to breeding of mosquitoes which in turn will lead to the prevalence of diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria,” the plea said.
The NGO claimed that due to insufficient rainfall in Delhi, the artificial water bodies proposed to be constructed, cannot possibly be filled up on a sustainable basis by rainwater.
