‘Gurgaon's disappearing water bodies': National Green Tribunal seeks response of Haryana, civic body
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi Friday sought the response of the Haryana government and the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) in a plea alleging disappearance of ponds and water bodies in Gwal Pahari and Badshahpur tehsils of Gurgaon.
The original application filed by Gurgaon-based environmentalist Vaishali Rana was heard by a coram of NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel.
The plea stated that several water bodies, including those at Gwal Pahari (Khasra No. 85 and 90, Tehsil Wazirabad, Gurgaon) along with associated stormwater drains, and Badshahpur Pond in Nirvana Country (Ward No. 25, Zone-V) and near Harijan Basti (Ward No. 25, Zone-IV), have either disappeared or been encroached upon.
'The Government, including the MCG, having noticed that several ponds across the city of Gurugram have fallen in disuse, are bound to bestow their attention to develop them… it is majorly on account of rapid urbanisation coupled with higher prices of land that most water bodies and green belts in the city have already been encroached upon and destroyed in order to gain profits, by a certain set of individuals. This practice, if left unchecked, will soon raze the city which is already facing an acute water shortage crisis,' the plea stated.
Notably, the petition added that the MCG 'admitted' in a 2022 RTI reply that one of the encroachments was made by a then-sitting councillor.
A representation in this regard dated March 24 this year to the MCG has also been ignored, the plea further stated.
Directions have been sought for levying penalties on errant bodies and officials, as well as the restoration and rejuvenation of these water bodies, citing significant environmental concerns.
The NGT acknowledged that the case raises substantial issues regarding compliance with environmental norms. The Tribunal issued notices to the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran, and the Haryana Pond & Waste Water Management Authority, besides the state and the Gurgaon civic body.
The matter will be heard next on October 6.
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