NGT Scrutinizes Unauthorized Construction in Okhla Bird Sanctuary

The National Green Tribunal has instructed a representative from the Centre to inspect the Okhla Bird Sanctuary to determine if any unauthorized construction has occurred. Allegations were made of illegal permanent structures being built by a divisional forest officer inside the sanctuary, located on the Yamuna River floodplain.

The National Green Tribunal has ordered a central representative to conduct an inspection of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, amid allegations of unauthorized construction within the protected area.

The tribunal heard claims that a divisional forest officer was building illegal permanent structures within the sanctuary, situated on the floodplain of the Yamuna River.

A bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel acknowledged that, according to the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority, a road project inside the sanctuary had been halted and dismantled. The tribunal concluded by mandating that the Environment Ministry's representative conduct the inspection and report back within eight weeks.

(With inputs from agencies.)