Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal construction in Haridwar Forest Division, Uttarakhand, 30/07/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Gauri Maulekhi Vs Union of India & Others dated 30/07/2019 regarding illegal construction in Haridwar Forest Division in Shyampur Range. The area of Chandi Block, Shyampur Range, Shivalik Elephant Reserve and its adjoining Rajaji National Park and Tiger Reserve are wildlife habitats within 100 meters of river Ganga where large scale construction was going on in the said area without any clearance by the competent authorities under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The NGT through its order of August 24, 2018 gave directions to the Forest Department and the District Administration to take necessary steps to remove the illegal constructions and an Oversight Committee constituted. Report by the Committee states that some encroachments have been removed and no new encroachment has taken place. The remaining eviction proceedings are to be completed within three months.
The NGT directs a final report to be submitted by the Oversight Committee giving the status of the actions taken and its recommendations in the matter by November 30, 2019.