NGT Pulls Up Centre Over 'Illegal Colonies' In Delhi's Sangam Vihar

The NGT has sought a response within a week from the central government and other agencies regarding illegal colonies in Sangam Vihar, expressing displeasure over environmental violations.

NGT has taken a tough stance on the illegal colonies in Sangam Vihar, South Delhi (Representative image/file photo).

Source : PTI

Delhi NGT News: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up the central government over "illegally constructed colonies within a forest area" in Sangam Vihar, South Delhi. Airing its displeasure at the blatant violation of environmental protection laws, the NGT has asked the central government to submit a detailed response within a week. 

The tribunal said that it cannot grant legal recognition to any construction carried out in violation of the Forest Conservation Act and other environmental regulations.

22 Colonies In Forested Area

According to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), there are a total of 44 unauthorised colonies in the Sangam Vihar area. Of these, 22 colonies are located directly within the forest area, while the remaining colonies are partially built on forest land. Out of the 11 colonies located in the non-forest area, only 8 have sewer lines.

Environmental Crisis Deepened By Waste

The uncontrolled management of solid and liquid waste in these illegal colonies has severely impacted the local environment. There is no proper sewage disposal system, nor is there any concrete waste management plan. This is not only damaging the forest area but also posing a threat to the health of the surrounding population.

The NGT has issued notices to the Ministry of Environment, the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Delhi, making them parties to the case. All have been ordered to submit a detailed response at least a week ahead of the next hearing on August 8.

(Story by Sushil Kumar Pandey, ABP News.)