Install rainwater harvesting system in two months: NGT to Delhi schools, colleges

The National Green Tribunal on Thursday ordered all Delhi government schools and colleges to add rainwater harvesting systems within two months, said reports.

School and college who fail to follow the order will be subjected to pay environment compensation of Rs. 5 lakh, said NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.

The tribunal directed schools and colleges to approach a committee constituted by it. The committee will inspect the premises and grant permission to institutions for operating the system.

According to reports, senior officials from the education department of the Delhi government, Delhi Jal Board, Public Works Department, representative of Central Groundwater Authority and others were asked to deal with the applications from schools and colleges.

"The committee shall meet twice a month and deal with the application of the schools and colleges expeditiously," the bench said.

"Upon inspection, if it feels that there is no possibility of setting up such system, then the panel may issue exemption certificate," the bench said. Rainwater harvesting systems will then be installed in nearby areas, consisting of parks, PTI reported.

The green panel has told the director of Delhi education department and Delhi Jal Board issue to send notices to the selected schools within three days.

According to Mahesh Chandra Saxena, an associate with an NGO has claimed that some of the institutions have either not installed rainwater harvesting systems or have systems which are damaged.