New Delhi: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Delhi Wetland Authority (DWA) to compile and circulate a comprehensive report format to all land-owning agencies for details of every waterbody under their control. The green watchdog is concerned about the fast disappearance of wetlands and waterbodies in the capital.The tribunal bench, headed by chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, noted that reports submitted by various agencies had revealed an alarming picture. Several waterbodies had vanished or dried up. Others were encroached upon. It said in an order dated Dec 15, which combines three different cases on wetlands based on media reports, including one from TOI titled “10 wetlands in Asola to conserve rainwater” published on March 12, 2024.The tribunal observed that there was a clear information gap as complete and uniform data from all authorities was not received. “Learned counsel appearing for the wetland authority submits that a gap exists and complete information on wetlands from different authorities was not received. Therefore, the wetland authority is proposing to circulate a format in which the requisite information under all the relevant heads will be sought from all the agencies/authorities owning these water bodies in Delhi,” the order said.NGT said a standardised format must be shared with all land-owning agencies. The format will require agencies to disclose the total area of each waterbody as per revenue records, geo-coordinates, area free from encroachment, area dried up, and the extent of encroachment. Agencies will also have to specify the number and details of encroachers and outline any action plan for the protection of the waterbody and removal of encroachments.The tribunal has asked authorities to mention whether any land belonging to a waterbody was allotted to an individual, authority or third party, and under what statutory powers such an allotment was made. “The report must also include details of water quality… and information on drains discharging untreated sewage or STP-treated water into the water bodies,” it states.It has directed the wetland authority to initiate action against violators and submit a detailed action-taken report at least a week before the next hearing. The matter has been listed for March 10, 2026.Meanwhile, following a plea by a resident, DDA has carried out mapping of a 4.7-hectare waterbody in Narela, which will be revived following the removal of encroachments, the NGT noted.
