The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday asked the Uttar Pradesh Government to send its proposal regarding the eco-sensitive zone around the Okhla bird sanctuary to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), which in turn will send the same to the National Board of Wild life (NBWl).
The order of NGT came on a petition filed by Noida resident Amit Kumar, who sought prevention of the allegedly illegal construction by builders within a 10 km radius of the sanctuary, which is claimed to be an eco-sensitive zone.
It also directed the Uttar Pradesh Government that in case any new project or construction comes up near the sanctuary, environmental clearance granted to it shall also be sent to the MoEF within four weeks. The bench also underlined that the completed projects within 10 km of the sanctuary shall be subject to the decision of NBWl and all new projects will be allowed to come up only if NBWl allows, said Gaurav Kumar Bansal, petitioner’s lawyer.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, NGT directed the Delhi and UP Governments to extend all help, including police aid, for removal of debris from the banks of Yamuna and also restrained the DDA from acting on its notification concerning activities allowed on the river plain. “The UP Government shall furnish all help, including police aid, for removal of debris from the site in question,” a bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar said. “The NCT of Delhi shall also provide all help, including police aid,” it observed, adding that the DMRC, UP and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Gautam Buddh Nagar shall also be responsible for carrying out the order.