New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal has criticised BSES for not disconnecting the power of illegal industrial units operating in east Delhi.The tribunal asked BSES to disclose the reason for not undertaking the exercise of ascertaining the unauthorised use of electricity by these units, especially if these were found to be operating in closed premises or were suspected of illegally using electricity. It also asked MCD to file a report on why it did not act against the units that were found violating norms during the first inspection.The NGT is hearing a plea by activist Varun Gulati, stating that illegal units, which come under the red-category industries, are illegally operational in Gamri village in east Delhi. Following the NGT’s directions, DPCC and MCD submitted action-taken reports. The tribunal observed that the reports revealed some of the premises were found to be closed, and therefore, the nature of the activity could not be ascertained.“It cannot be disputed that these units in some of the premises may be operating secretly, which cannot be ascertained by conducting an outside inspection. If a unit is operating and consuming electricity for such illegal operations, then BSES, based on the nature and extent of electricity consumption, can ascertain if any such activity is being carried out inside the closed premises. This can be determined by BSES through the meter reading, the purpose of connection, and the variation therein, in case the electricity is used by the meter connection or by carrying out a surprise check to find out the unauthorised electricity usage,” said the bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava in an order dated July 18, which was shared on Tuesday.“It has been pointed out by the learned counsel for DPCC that in cases where the units are found to be violating and environmental compensation has been imposed, no action has been taken by BSES to disconnect electricity,” said the tribunal, asking BSES to submit a report in four weeks.The NGT noticed that in some cases, although at the first inspection the unit was found to be violating, no action against the unit has been reflected. “The commissioner, MCD, is directed to file the affidavit disclosing the action which was taken against the above unit found to be violating in the first inspection,” the tribunal said.
