In a significant development concerning groundwater regulation in the capital, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) about its actions against The Lalit hotel on Barakhamba Road. The municipal body has identified three illegal borewells at the five-star establishment and has sealed one of them.
Environmental Compensation Assessment Initiated
The NDMC has formally requested the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to evaluate the amount of environmental compensation that should be imposed on The Lalit hotel. This compensation pertains to "the period during which groundwater may have been extracted without valid authorisation or in excess of the permitted quantum". The move underscores the authorities' commitment to enforcing environmental norms in the city.
Background of the Case
The tribunal is currently hearing a plea filed by local resident Shailesh Singh, who raised concerns about illegal groundwater extraction by certain hotels. Singh filed an executive application in 2023, seeking compliance with the NGT's August 2018 order. That order had stipulated that respondents could approach the competent authority for permission to extract groundwater, provided they specified the required quantity.
Additionally, the tribunal had directed that respondents inform the Central Ground Water Authority about the period of extraction. This would enable the authority to determine the quantity extracted and take appropriate action if permissible limits were breached.
NDMC's Detailed Report to NGT
In its report submitted to the NGT on January 21, 2026, the NDMC provided a comprehensive update on the situation at The Lalit hotel. The agency revealed that out of the three borewells identified, one was sealed in August 2025. Meanwhile, the hotel has applied for permission to extract water from the remaining two borewells.
The case has now been forwarded to the district level advisory committee for further deliberation. The NDMC stated that it wrote to the New Delhi district magistrate on January 19, requesting a final decision from the committee in accordance with established groundwater extraction and regulation guidelines.
Additional Proceedings Against The Lalit
Beyond the groundwater issue, the NDMC has also initiated proceedings to levy additional sewer charges on The Lalit hotel. This indicates a broader scrutiny of the hotel's compliance with municipal regulations. No response was received from The Lalit hotel at the time of reporting, leaving questions about their stance on these matters unanswered.
Other Groundwater Extraction Permissions Granted
In a related development, the advisory committee, during its last meeting in December 2025, permitted groundwater extraction at several locations following thorough inspections. The approved sites include:
- Bengali School on Mandir Marg
- The General Pool Residential Accommodation project in Sarojini Nagar
- Premises of bungalows belonging to some judges
- Certain parts of Vasant Kunj
These permissions highlight the committee's role in regulating groundwater use across various sectors in New Delhi, balancing development needs with environmental sustainability.
