The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMC) to file its response within a week on a plea alleging that encroachments have led to traffic congestion and air pollution in busy Azadpur market. The Bench was irked over reports that the squatters who were removed by the corporation came back with vengeance to occupy the places.
On May 2, the NMC had removed several unauthorised vendors and also impounded hundreds of illegally parked vehicles in a massive anti-encroachment drive conducted in Khari Baoli, Azadpur, Naya Bazar and other areas. However, all those removed by the corporation came back the next day and squatted all over the place. This was brought to the notice of the NGT Bench, which ordered the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) not to allow any unauthorised vendor once the area is cleared by the municipal corporation.
The Tribunal was hearing a plea by city residents Sushil Baheti and Ritesh Goel seeking removal of encroachments from Azadpur area, saying these were causing traffic congestion.
The plea, filed through advocate Rahul Khurana, claimed that the issue raised by the applicants was dealt by the Public Grievances Commission of the Delhi Government which directed Deputy Commissioner (Civil lines Zone), NMC to remove encroachments on a regular basis.
“Vide the same order it was also directed SHO of Adarsh Nagar not to allow any unauthorised vendor once the area is cleared by the civic agency. It is pertinent to mention herein that the Grievances Commission observed that the issue of encroachment at Azadpur is a very chronic matter that needs to be resolved and advised to approach the tribunal for getting corrective orders to resolve the grievance,” the plea said.
The plea has also sought directions to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to install ambient air quality monitoring station in the area.
A Bench headed by acting NGT Chairperson Justice Jawad Rahim, which had issued notices to the AAP Government and DPCC, granted the corporation an opportunity to file a reply after advocate Puja Kalra sought more time.
“The counsel for the Delhi Government submits that it is not required to file any reply to show cause notice and he submits that the reply already filed may be taken into consideration. Submissions were taken on record. We shall consider whether the NCT Delhi could have avoided answering to the show cause notice,” the Bench said, while posting the matter for hearing on May 25.
The green panel had earlier asked the Delhi government and others to show-cause why the order passed by Public Grievance Commission has not been complied with regard to encroachments. “In case report is not submitted, we will summon the officers for explanation,” the bench had said.
Meanwhile, continuing their drive against squatters, the civic bodies on Friday cleared several areas and demolished structures constructed on roads. The Special Task Force (STF), comprising civic agencies representatives, Delhi Development Authority, traffic and Delhi Police officials on Friday swung in action and also impounded several vehicles parked on roads.
The civic agencies on Friday also targeted encroachers on busy road stretches. These included Bara Tooti Chowk, Sadar Bazar. C R Park 1, Premnath dogra marg, vivekanand marg and church road, J Block saket, Pramod Mahajan road, Uttam Nagar Terminal, Najafgarh Road to Dwarka more, Pankha Road, Dwarka , Vivekananda Marg and Church road RK Puram, Deppali Chowk, Chirag Delhi, J Block Saket- Pramod Mahajan Market and surrounding, CR Park Market no. 1 and surroundings, Prem nath Dogra Market RK Puram, Church Road RK Puram, Vivekanand Margand Idira Market RK Puram, Firoaze Gandhi Road, Veer Savarkar Marg, Krishna Market, Jyoti Ngar, Shahdara, M S Park, Nand Nagri, Karawal Nagar, Shri Ram Colony and surrounding areas.
A senior NMC official said the stretch in Bawana has also cleared till 700 metres. Also, 2.5 km stretch also cleared in Narela zone. The civic body also sealed 29 units in areas of kirari, Suleman Nagar in Rohini zone.
The SIT was formed by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to control illegal constructions and encroachments in the national capital. It also removed hundreds of temporary and permanent structures constructed illegally on roads.
The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) also took action together at 13 places under its jurisdiction. The civic body vacated around 26 acre encroached land. It also demolished five farm houses and six temporary houses.
A similar action was also taken at Dwarka sector-3, Phase 1, Mansa Ram Park and Gurugram Boarder to Kapashera Red light on Kapashera Road. A senior SDMC official said the SDM, SHO concerned and DDA officers were present during the drive.
“In Dwarka, around 5,000 square yards encroached land of the education department was successfully vacated from the encroacher. Six temporary houses illegally constructed were also demolished. The drive was aided by 6 JCB, 4 trucks,35 labour, 45 Policemen and 12 Civil Defence Jawans,” the official said.
He further informed that in south zone action was taken in posh colonies where 140 temporary structures, 15 shed, five tandoors were demolished. 28 rehries and 465 items have also been seized.
The East Corporation also impounded 46 vehicles and demolished four properties. Besides, seven shops were also sealed for violating the provisions of Master Plan 2021.