‘Gymkhana borewells illegal’

NEW DELHI: Four of the five borewells installed inside the Delhi Gymkhana Club are illegal because they are in close proximity of each other, violating environmental norms, Delhi government informed the high court on Friday.
In an affidavit filed by the sub-divisional magistrate of Chanakyapuri whose office sealed the borewells earlier this month, the government defended its actions saying it had only enforced procedures.
Justice Vibhu Bakhru, while hearing a plea by the club challenging the government’s sealing orders, also issued notice to a panel that monitors groundwater levels and sought a reply by December 16.
Appearing for the state government, standing counsel Zubeda Begum informed the court that Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had inspected the club premises and found that there are 5 borewells operating within.
The SDM then asked the panel monitoring ground water levels to survey the area. It was found by the panel that the borewells were not placed within mandatory 150 metres distance and violated environment laws.
It said instead of five borewells within the stipulated distance, only one should have been operating which is why four were sealed immediately.