NGT seeks report on Naini lake encroachments

New Delhi, April 15

Advertisement

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought an action taken report from a committee against alleged illegal constructions in the catchment area of Nainital lake in Uttarakhand.

A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asked the committee comprising representatives of the Uttarakhand State Pollution Control Board, the Nainital District Magistrate and the Secretary, Urban Development, to submit the report within two months by email.

“Before we consider the matter further, we find it necessary to obtain a factual and an action taken report from a joint committee... The nodal agency for compliance and coordination will be the District Magistrate, Nainital. We may also make reference to requiring a carrying capacity conducted. A copy of this order be sent to the Uttarakhand State Pollution Control Board, the District Magistrate, Nainital, and the Secretary, Urban Development by email,” the Bench said.

The tribunal directed the applicant, NGO Friends, to furnish a set of papers each to the Uttarakhand State Pollution Control Board, the District Magistrate, and the Secretary, Urban Development, and file an affidavit of service within a week.

The NGO had approached the tribunal against alleged illegal constructions around the lake and claimed that such constructions result in landslides, reduce the lake’s capacity and increase soil erosion.

It also alleged that constructions are beyond the carrying capacity of Nainital town and as a result of it, the water level of the lake has gone down and recharge of groundwater is also affected.

“Notwithstanding this alarming situation, the authorities concerned are allowing big commercial structures, multistorey group housing buildings, flats, etc. in different parts of the town, flouting directions of the the Supreme Court. Even after the directions of the apex court, maps have been approved for residential purposes, but later such accommodations have been used for commercial purposes such as hotels and guest houses. This violation is still going on at many places in Nainital,” the plea said. — PTI

Threat to lake

• NGO Friends, an NGO, had approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against alleged illegal constructions around the lake and claimed that such constructions result in landslides, reduce the lake’s capacity and increase soil erosion
• It also alleged that constructions are beyond the carrying capacity of Nainital town and as a result of it, the water level of the lake has gone down and recharge of groundwater is also affected