The National Green Tribunal has formed a panel to look into the allegations of encroachment and operation of illegal factories in a Ghaziabad park.
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed authorities to ensure restoration of the ground within one month.
Directing the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance of the order, the Bench said, “This will be in addition to prosecution and recovery of compensation for damages to the environment.” The committee will comprise the Ghaziabad District Magistrate, Vice-Chairman Ghaziabad Development Authority, Municipal Commissioner and member Secretary of the UPPCB, the Bench added.
The directions came when the green panel was hearing a plea moved by Ghaziabad resident Hari Kishen who sought the removal of encroachments from the park in Sahibabad.
Earlier, in a report dated March 2019, authorities had acknowledged the operation of illegal factories in the park.
“The report confirms illegal construction in the park. There are also illegal plastic and textile factories operating without a valid permit. Order of closure has been passed. However, there is no material to show whether the closure has been given effect to and the park has been restored,” the Bench observed.
