The Delhi State Wetland Authority has filed a report in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) informing it that there are 1,367 water bodies in 11 districts of Delhi, including 1,045 listed water bodies and 322 wetlands identified through satellite imagery.
The report, however, also revealed that a substantial number of water bodies are not identifiable through satellite imagery, indicating that they may have been illegally filled or encroached upon.
The Bench of Justice Sudhir Agarwal, Judicial Member, Dr A Senthil Vel and Dr Afroz Ahmad, Expert Members directed the Delhi Development Authority to file its response regarding the status and restoration position of water bodies within its jurisdiction.
The tribunal also impleaded the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Department of Forest, Government of Delhi, and the Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayat, Delhi, as respondents in the matter.
The newly impleaded respondents have been directed to file their responses regarding the water bodies within their respective jurisdictions, along with timelines for restoration, rejuvenation, and remediation. The responses are to be filed within a month, and the matter has been listed for further hearing on February 14, 2025.
The NGT had taken suo motu cognizance of a news item on April 25, 2024 highlighting the issue of disappearing water bodies in Delhi, prompting the NGT to register an original application.