National Green Tribunal seeks response on Ghaziabad water body encroachments

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to Uttar Pradesh authorities over the continued encroachments on ponds and water bodies in Ghaziabad. The matter was heard on August 29, by the Principal Bench in New Delhi.

The tribunal sought compliance with its 2021 order that directed the removal of encroachments. In the 2021 order, it had stated, “The UP Chief Secretary may take further action and ensure compliance in the matter of the removal of encroachments and taking other steps for the restoration of the water bodies by periodically holding meetings with the district magistrate concerned.”

During the hearing, the applicant’s counsel presented an affidavit which showed that 231 out of the 1,075 ponds in the district remained encroached. The affidavit also listed actions taken by local officials, including directions to tehsildars and the Municipal Commissioner, but acknowledged that encroachments had not been removed.

The tribunal noted that earlier directions to hold periodic review meetings and involve local communities had not been followed. It also referred to the restoration steps recommended in a previous case involving water bodies across the country.

The NGT directed the UP Government to file a detailed reply through affidavit at least a week before the next hearing. The applicant was ordered to serve copies of the notice on the respondents. The tribunal listed the case along with a related matter for further hearing on October 7.