NGT seeks response on depletion in natural conservation zones

The National Green Tribunal on Friday asked the states concerned to submit their response on the issue of shrinkage in Natural Conservation Zones like forests, water bodies and waste lands in the National Capital Region. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the states to file their reply within two weeks from on Friday while posting the matter for further consideration on February 13. “In the event reply is not filed, the concerned Secretary of the state shall be present before the Tribunal with complete records and show if the shrinkage of the National Conservation Zones as stated is factually correct or not,” the bench said. Earlier, in an affidavit filed before the tribunal, NCRPB had submitted that the shrinkage is in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and NCT-Delhi.