The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday pulled up the Delhi government for not providing proper details pertaining to the demarcation of the Southern Ridge.
A Bench headed by NGT judicial member Justice Raghuvendra S. Rathore said: “We want authentic and complete information on incomplete work. Tell us how much time is required. We do not want tamasha [fuss] that you are filing in bits and pieces.”
It added: “Same goes for the Forest Department.”
The observations came after the Bench noted that the revenue department had filed varying figures and timelines pertaining to the demarcation of the Southern Ridge.
The NGT also warned that a cost of ₹5,000 per day will be imposed on authorities if the work is not completed by March 1.
Residents’ plea
The directions came while the green panel was hearing a plea moved by city residents Sonya Ghosh and others, who sought removal of encroachments from forest land in the Southern Ridge.
Earlier, the NGT had rapped the State government for adopting a “casual” approach in the matter. It had also directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to file an affidavit stating the time required for the demarcation of forest land in the Southern Ridge.
The NGT had also warned revenue and forest department officials of imposing a fine of ₹2 lakh on each respondent if the orders are not complied with.
