NGT Takes Action on Illegal Forest Land Encroachment in South Delhi

The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to senior Union environment ministry officials regarding the alleged illegal encroachment of six hectares of forest land in south Delhi. Approximately 500 huts have reportedly been built, with attempts to establish permanent structures. A hearing is scheduled for October 24.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the secretary of the Union environment ministry and other senior officials over the alleged encroachment of six hectares of forest land in south Delhi.

The Tribunal acted on its own initiative after a newspaper reported the unauthorized encroachment between Press Enclave and Saket Sports Complex in Saket.

In a recent order, a bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that approximately 500 huts have illegally appeared on the land, with further attempts to construct permanent structures.

'The news item raises substantial issues relating to compliance with the Forest Conservation Act and the Environment Protection Act,' stated the bench, including judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel.

The bench has involved several authorities as respondents, including the secretary of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, the district magistrate of south Delhi, the principal chief conservator of forests, and the chief wildlife warden.

'Issue notices to the above respondents for filing their response at least one week before the next date of hearing (on October 24),' the Tribunal directed.