NGT directs Noida to remove encroachments in sector 48
New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday directed NOIDA for a second time to remove illegal encroachments from the green belt in Noida sector 48. The tribunal has given concerned authorities a deadline of two weeks to restore the area.
A tribunal bench, which was headed by Justice Raghuvendra S. Rathore, observed that the area has not been fully cleared of encroachments since the last order passed in August 2018. "Therefore, NOIDA is directed to take appropriate steps in compliance of the order of the tribunal so as to clear up the entire green belt in question," the bench said.
The green panel added that whatever land is cleared as a result of this order, must be restored as a green belt by planting trees.
The panel also noted that after the clearing, land that is part of the master plan 2021 and 2031 must be left alone.
The NGT directions came on a plea filed by some residents of Noida sector 48 seeking restoration of the green belt which was allegedly damaged due to unauthorised encroachments, excessive extraction of groundwater and other illegal activities. The tribunal in order last year had said, "All structures or constructions on the land in question shall be removed except those which have been marked in the layout plan or master plan of 2021 and 2031.