February 21, 2026 : The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) at New Delhi has found that the sealing of several illegal borewells in Delhi was not carried out properly and has directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Model Town, to undertake corrective measures and submit a fresh compliance report.

The Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) passed the direction while hearing Execution Application No. 32/2025 in Original Application No. 31/2025, filed by applicant Rishi Jindal seeking compliance with the Tribunal’s earlier order dated January 28, 2025.

The matter concerns allegations that several borewells located in Rohini and Shakti Nagar areas of Delhi were operating illegally without permission and in violation of applicable norms. The applicant had earlier approached the Tribunal highlighting specific premises where such borewells were allegedly functioning unlawfully.

In its earlier order dated January 28, 2025, the Tribunal had permitted the applicant to submit a detailed representation containing information about complaints made and communications issued by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to the concerned SDM after identifying the borewells as illegal. The Tribunal had directed that upon receiving the representation, the SDM should examine the issue and take appropriate action in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible, preferably within four weeks.

During the execution proceedings, counsel appearing for the SDMs concerned informed the Tribunal that certain borewells had already been sealed. It was submitted that borewells listed at serial numbers 1, 5 and 7 had been sealed earlier. Subsequently, a fresh report dated February 19, 2026 filed by the SDM, Model Town stated that borewells at serial numbers 2, 3, 4 and 6 had also been sealed, including those located at premises in Prem Nagar and Shakti Nagar, Delhi.

However, upon examining photographs placed on record, the Tribunal observed that the sealing process had not been carried out effectively. The Bench noted that the photographs showed the borewells could still be operated conveniently without removing the seals.

In response, counsel for the SDM, Model Town submitted that the borewells would now be sealed more securely by removing the submersible pumps and plugging the borewells with concrete. The counsel assured the Tribunal that this process would be completed within two weeks.

Taking note of the assurance, the Tribunal directed the SDM, Model Town to carry out the proper sealing process and file a further compliance report within three weeks. The matter has been listed for further consideration on April 1, 2026.

Case Title: Sh. Rishi Jindal v. Delhi Pollution Control Committee & Ors.
Case No.: Execution Application No. 32/2025 in Original Application No. 31/2025

Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member)

Appearance:
Applicant: Mr. Plash Jindal, Advocate
Respondents: Ms. Priyanka Swami for DJB; Mr. Narender Pal Singh for DPCC; Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta and Ms. Ananya Basudha for SDM Model Town