NGT Fines Ghaziabad DM ₹25,000 for Failing to Address Pond Encroachment

UV INDIA NEWS: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has fined the Ghaziabad District Magistrate (DM) ₹25,000 for not taking action against the encroachment of a pond in Shalimar, Rajendra Nagar. The decision on August 27 came from a panel including NGT Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member A Senthil Vel. The tribunal stated that the DM failed to comply with its orders and repeatedly ignored the issue, mandating the fine be paid within two weeks.

The case originated from a petition by the NGO Society for Voice of Human Rights and Justice, which alleged illegal construction on land designated as a waterbody in official records. On March 3, the NGT instructed the DM to verify the land’s status and report on any construction after filling the water body.

However, the DM’s report, submitted on May 8, was found to be vague and lacking clarity on the land’s classification. The DM was directed to attend a hearing on August 1 but failed to adequately address the tribunal's questions.

During a virtual appearance, the DM noted that a writ petition related to the land was pending at the Allahabad High Court but did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the land. The NGT found the DM guilty under sections 26 and 28 of the NGT Act, 2010, for not responding to its directives. The next hearing is scheduled for December 5.

In response, an official from the DM’s office acknowledged the pending court case and confirmed that the NGT had been informed, assuring compliance with the NGT's orders.