NGT directs Ghaziabad DM to implement order to remove encroachment on pond

New delhi: The National Green Tribunal has directed the Ghaziabad District Magistrate to implement its order on removal of encroachments on a pond and restore it to its original condition.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel said once an order has been passed by the tribunal which has attained finality, it needs to be executed.

The green panel noted that it has been dealing with the matter for three years and the issue of individual encroachments can be also dealt with by the Civil Court having local jurisdiction.

"Accordingly, we direct that a copy of order of this tribunal be forwarded to the District Judge, Ghaziabad for being entrusted to the concerned Civil Court so that the said Civil Court may proceed further with the execution proceedings in accordance with law," the bench said.

The NGT was informed by the Uttar Pradesh government that a joint inspection team was constituted, headed by the ADM (City), Ghaziabad, and drive for demolition was undertaken but there was law and order situation as some families were occupying the sites.

The tribunal, however, said, "We are of the view that once order has been passed by this Tribunal which has attained finality, the same ought to be executed by the District Magistrate, Ghaziabad and pond should be restored."

The tribunal had earlier slammed the UP government over delay in reporting on encroachments of water bodies, including ponds and wetlands, in Ghaziabad and other parts of the state.

Taking strong exception to the state for not complying with its order and seeking repeated adjournments, it had summoned its Principal Secretary for Urban Development to appear before it.