National Green Tribunal Authorizes MCD to Break Locks of Illegal Units in Delhi

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has authorized officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to break open the locks of industrial premises suspected of operating unlawfully in East Delhi's Gamri village. The ruling aims to facilitate fresh inspections of properties that were previously inaccessible during enforcement visits.

A bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava alongside expert member Dr. Afroz Ahmad issued the directive while hearing a petition concerning unauthorized industrial units in the area. The petition detailed various polluting activities allegedly taking place, such as metal surface treatment, nickel electroplating, glass melting, cyanide-bath heat treatment, phosphating, anodizing, and fabric dyeing.

During previous attempts to inspect the area, a joint committee faced obstacles when several property and unit owners locked their premises upon the team's arrival, preventing officials from determining the nature of the commercial activities inside.

Invoking specific sections of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act of 1957, the NGT clarified that authorized municipal officials possess the legal authority to break locks on premises suspected of illegal operations without needing prior notice under certain circumstances.

The tribunal's order followed an affidavit submitted by the Delhi Police Commissioner stating that police officers lack the independent authority to force entry by breaking locks. In response, counsel for the MCD assured the court that municipal officials would execute the inspections with adequate police protection, including officers equipped with body cameras.

Furthermore, the NGT instructed the joint inspection committee—which comprises representatives from the Revenue Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, MCD, BSES, and Delhi Police—to submit a comprehensive report at least one week prior to the next hearing scheduled for February 3, 2027.

The tribunal also directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Yamuna Vihar to be present during the upcoming inspections and accepted a proposal to include a BSES Yamuna Power Limited representative. The electricity provider is mandated to promptly cut off power supply if any unit is discovered operating illegally.