58. Water Minister Kapil Mishra orders crackdown on illegal bottling plants across the city

May 03, 2016 06:57 PM

 Chairman of Delhi Jal Board and Water Minister Kapil Mishra ordered a strong crackdown on illegal water bottling plants across the city. This was done by the Delhi Jal Board in collaboration with the Divisional Commisioner’s Office at 16 locations across New Delhi.

Water Minister Kapil Mishra orders crackdown on illegal bottling plants across the city

List of 17 illegal bottling plants submitted by the Delhi Jal Board to the Divisional Commissioner’s Office

Divisional Commissioner’s Office along with the DJB to raid and shut down illegal water bottling plants

2 plants shut down by5 pm; 10 plants to be shut down by 11.30 pm on 3rd May 2016

The action against the illegal bottling plants and the water mafia in Delhi has been taken under the Environment Protection Act, which is enforceable through the Divisional Commisioner's office. Under Section 15 of the EPA of 1986, contravention is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or both, and in case the failure or contravention continues, with additional fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such failure or contravention continues after the conviction for the first such failure of contravention. 

As of 5 pm, Tuesday, 3rd May 2016, 2 plants have already been sealed in Sitapuri and Uttam Nagar by the Divisional Commissioner’s Office along with officials of the Delhi Jal Board. In total, 17 such bottling plants shall be sealed across the city.

Water Minister and Chairman of Delhi Jal Board Kapil Mishra said, “The Delhi Government will not tolerate any water mafia in the city and will strongly act against anyone who violates the right of our citizens to free and clean drinking water. That is why we have initiated such strong proceedings against the violators and charged them under the Environment Protection Act. 2 plants have been sealed already, and we hope that 10 plants will be shut down by tonight. We are with the Aam Aadmi and his right to have access to safe drinking water."