Activists cry foul as UP builds road through Okhla sanctuary
11 Sept 2014 5:11 AM IST
In a recent move of encroachment inside the sanctuary, the district forest department has allowed a two-lane concrete road cutting across the sanctuary in the name of de-congesting traffic flow from Noida to Delhi and vice-versa.
About two-kilometre road between Jamia Nagar and Kalindi Kunj bridge is being constructed on the western bund inside the Okhla bird sanctuary. As the road is located along with a water pond inside the sanctuary which is a natural habitat for migratory birds, environmentalists have opposed the move.
They have claimed that to allow traffic movement inside the sanctuary is a clear violation of all laws and openly flouts an order of the Supreme Court which was passed in 2009.
The activists have also stressed that the authorities, despite instructions of the green body and apex court, are violating the rules in the name of development. ‘Its very unfortunate that construction is taking place when the court has restrained any such activity. Although the decision on area of eco-sensitive zone in pending before the court, authorities have started considering just 100-meter area as protected zone instead of 10-kilometre,’ said Anand Arya, an environmental activist.
The activists have written to Noida officials and Division Forest Officer in this regard but have received no assurance that construction work would be stopped.
‘Rampant construction is on inside the sanctuary by cutting dozens of trees and earth filling while authorities are mum on it. The habitat of birds and other animals will be in peril if road becomes operational. We have approached the district authorities and if required we will move higher authorities also,’ he said.
About two-kilometre road between Jamia Nagar and Kalindi Kunj bridge is being constructed on the western bund inside the Okhla bird sanctuary. As the road is located along with a water pond inside the sanctuary which is a natural habitat for migratory birds, environmentalists have opposed the move.
They have claimed that to allow traffic movement inside the sanctuary is a clear violation of all laws and openly flouts an order of the Supreme Court which was passed in 2009.
The activists have also stressed that the authorities, despite instructions of the green body and apex court, are violating the rules in the name of development. ‘Its very unfortunate that construction is taking place when the court has restrained any such activity. Although the decision on area of eco-sensitive zone in pending before the court, authorities have started considering just 100-meter area as protected zone instead of 10-kilometre,’ said Anand Arya, an environmental activist.
The activists have written to Noida officials and Division Forest Officer in this regard but have received no assurance that construction work would be stopped.
‘Rampant construction is on inside the sanctuary by cutting dozens of trees and earth filling while authorities are mum on it. The habitat of birds and other animals will be in peril if road becomes operational. We have approached the district authorities and if required we will move higher authorities also,’ he said.
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