Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding protection of waterbodies, Uttar Pradesh, 17/03/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sushil Raghav Vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Others dated 17/03/2021. Grievance in the application was that water bodies were being diverted in Ghaziabad district for industrial purposes in violation of law. There have been alarming levels of encroachments and damage of waterbodies at Ghaziabad and "it was not difficult to assume that there are similar encroachments/damage to water bodies throughout", the NGT said.
The NGT directed the Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh to hold a meeting with all District Magistrates by video conferencing within one month to address the issue and to prepare a uniform action plan applicable throughout Uttar Pradesh for identification and protection of water bodies. Further, the Monitoring Committee constituted by the NGT headed by Justice S.V.S. Rathore, former Judge of the Allahabad High Court was asked to monitor compliance and furnish its independent report in the matter.