As environmentalists see red over the Centre's notification limiting the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Okhla Bird Sanctuary, activist and birder Anand Arya challenged the decision before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday.
Mr. Arya challenged the August 19 notification of the Centre setting the extent of eco-sensitive zone around the sanctuary as 100 metres on all sides, except northern, and 1.27 km on the northern boundary.
His counsel Rahul Choudhary told the Bench that the notification is in violation of all legislative policies, including the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act.
The notification on the sanctuary, which is one among the several ornithologically-significant sites along the 50-km stretch of the Yamuna, had rejoiced many big builders and investors, who have projects or have brought homes in the area.
“The notification will not only adversely affect the community at large, but will also result in the violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Biological Diversity Act, 2002; precautionary principle; principle of sustainable development; inter-generational equity; and the principle of eco-centrism, all of which are law of the land as propounded by the Supreme Court,” Mr. Choudhary said.
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the Centre, the State of Uttar Pradesh, chief wildlife warden, and the government of NCT of Delhi seeking their response in two weeks.
