NGT directs Ghaziabad DM to prevent illegal construction in city forest

The National Green Tribunal has passed an interim order directing the district magistrate to ensure that no illegal construction is carried out in Sai Upvan, the 200-acre forest area in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad.

The green body is hearing the matter regarding the deteriorating condition of the area because of several environmental issues in the city forest, popularly known as the city’s lungs.

In an order dated July 2, a Bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad noted the submissions of the applicant’s advocate, Akash Vashishtha, that despite the area being designated as a city forest under the 2021-2031 master plan, the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam is “raising illegal construction” inside it.

The tribunal noted that as the Nigam was not present before it, the applicant’s claim remains uncontroverted.

It said, “In such circumstances, by way of interim relief, we direct the respondent 5, District Magistrate, Ghaziabad, to ensure that no illegal construction takes place in Sai Upwan till the next date of hearing (September 16)”.