New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has clarified that authorised officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) can break open locked industrial premises suspected of illegal operations in Gamri village, East Delhi, to facilitate inspections and investigate alleged pollution violations.
The tribunal directed a joint committee of government agencies to conduct fresh inspections of industrial units that could not be examined during previous visits because their premises were locked. The committee has been asked to submit its report at least one week before the next hearing, scheduled for February 3, 2027.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad passed the directions while hearing an application alleging that several industrial units in Gamri were operating illegally and causing pollution.
According to the application, the units were allegedly involved in activities including metal surface treatment, nickel electroplating, powder coating, glass melting, cyanide-bath heat treatment, phosphating, anodising, enamelling, galvanising and fabric dyeing. These activities were alleged to be contributing to pollution in the area.
Previous Inspections Obstructed by Locked Premises
Earlier inspections by a joint team comprising officials from the Revenue Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), MCD, BSES and Delhi Police reportedly failed to establish the nature of activities at certain premises because the units remained locked. An earlier inspection report also noted that some owners allegedly refused to open their premises when the inspection team arrived.
Addressing the legal authority to enter such premises, the NGT referred to Sections 431 and 433 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, which deal with powers of entry and inspection and breaking into buildings, respectively. The tribunal also cited Section 435, which provides for inspections of specified premises without prior notice in certain circumstances.
The MCD informed the tribunal that its officials would take appropriate action to open locked premises if adequate police protection was provided. Police personnel would wear body cameras during the operation. The tribunal also directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Yamuna Vihar to remain present during the next inspection.
Joint Committee to Identify Violations
The joint committee has been directed to inspect the premises of respondents numbered 7 to 42, with particular attention to units that could not be accessed previously. A representative of BSES Yamuna Power Limited will also be included in the committee.
The tribunal stated that if any unit is found to be operating illegally, BSES Yamuna would take prompt action to disconnect its electricity supply. The applicant has also been directed to provide geographical coordinates of other allegedly illegal units in the area so that these can be identified and inspected.
The fresh inspection is expected to help authorities establish the nature of industrial activities being carried out in Gamri and determine whether further action is warranted under applicable laws.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on February 3, 2027. ANI
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