The Delhi government has formally informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it has initiated a high-level inquiry to pinpoint officials responsible for a massive, decade-long illegal groundwater extraction racket in the bustling Paharganj area. The operation was allegedly run under the guise of a "Voluntary Disclosure Scheme" that was never officially notified or had any legal standing.
The NGT's 'Scam' Label and the Long-Running Petition
This development follows stern directions from the NGT, which has been hearing a petition filed by Delhi activist Varun Gulati since 2021. The plea sought action against numerous guesthouses in Paharganj for illegally withdrawing groundwater. In a damning observation earlier this year, the tribunal described the so-called Voluntary Disclosure Scheme as nothing short of a "scam." It highlighted that a staggering 442 out of 536 identified guesthouses continued to extract groundwater without any meters, payment, or regulation.
The NGT had explicitly directed the Chief Secretary of Delhi to investigate the colossal financial losses to the state, the environmental damage caused, and to identify the officials who allowed this illegality to flourish under a "non-existent" scheme.
Chief Secretary's Submission and Ongoing Investigation
In a submission dated December 4, the Chief Secretary has now sought six weeks to submit a final report. The document, uploaded on December 27, outlines the steps taken so far. It reveals that the Revenue Department has convened several inter-departmental meetings involving the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
The DJB has already provided a list of officers posted in the Paharganj area from 2014-15, and their exact roles are under scrutiny. The inquiry, being led by the Divisional Commissioner of the Revenue Department, aims to determine the volume of water illegally extracted, the total loss to the exchequer, and the officials responsible for the dereliction of duty.
Financial Penalties and Damage Assessment
While the inquiry is ongoing, some financial actions have already been taken. The DPCC imposed an interim environmental damage compensation of Rs 1 lakh each on 441 guesthouses in July. So far, a sum of Rs 4.32 crore has been recovered from these penalties.
Furthermore, the DJB has been collecting sewerage charges from these establishments at Rs 2000 per month, amassing Rs 6.36 crore to date. It had also levied water charges on piped supply, collecting Rs 24.42 lakh until 2020, after which this cess was discontinued.
The technical assessment of the theft is based on water meters installed on borewells in 22 sample hotels and guesthouses. The DJB is currently calculating the total extracted water based on discharge readings and the number of rooms, with this data expected within two weeks.
The Chief Secretary assured the NGT that the inquiry is in its advanced stages and is expected to conclude within a month, after which a comprehensive report will be filed. The submission reiterated that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any officials found responsible for enabling this large-scale environmental and financial violation.
