In a recent development, the Supreme Court has put a stay on the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order appointing Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena as the chairperson of a high-level committee on the Yamuna rejuvenation project. The decision came after the Delhi government challenged the NGT’s order, stating that it violated the constitutional scheme of governance and two previous orders by the Supreme Court.
The NGT had formed the committee in January this year to address the issue of pollution in the Yamuna river. However, the Delhi government objected to the LG’s appointment as the chairperson, arguing that it encroached upon the areas exclusively under the competence of the elected government. The government contended that the Chief Minister, as the elected head of the government, should oversee the issue of pollution in the Yamuna river.
The NGT’s order was based on a petition filed by Ashwani Yadav, highlighting the increasing pollution in the Yamuna river and the failure of authorities to take necessary measures to rectify the situation.
The Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, issued a notice on the plea by the Delhi government and stayed the NGT’s order. The court’s decision provides a temporary relief to the Delhi government and allows them to challenge the NGT’s decision.
This development showcases the ongoing power struggle between the Delhi government and the LG’s office. The Delhi government maintains that issues within the state’s jurisdiction should be handled by the elected government, while the LG’s office claims certain executive powers granted to them through the NGT’s order.
The Yamuna river, a crucial water body in Delhi, has been facing severe pollution problems for decades. Efforts to rejuvenate the river and tackle pollution have been undertaken by various stakeholders. However, the issue remains a significant challenge and requires cooperation and coordination between different authorities to find a sustainable solution.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s stay on the NGT’s order appointing the Delhi LG as the chairperson of the high-level committee on the Yamuna rejuvenation project provides temporary relief to the Delhi government. The power struggle between the elected government and the LG’s office continues to complicate matters in addressing the pollution issues in the Yamuna river. It remains to be seen how this conflict will be resolved and whether the rejuvenation efforts will gain momentum in the future.
