Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding disposal of stone and muck generated from road construction work in forest area, Chakrata, Dehradun, 15/06/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Darshan Tika Ram Dobhal & Others Vs Ministry of Environment & Forest & Others dated 15/06/2021.
Grievance in this application is against unscientific disposal of the stones and muck generated from Tuni Chandni Tunal Motor Road construction work in Chakrata, district Dehradun, in the forest area. According to the applicant, during construction of the road by the Uttarakhand Public Works Department (UPWD), necessary safeguards are not being observed resulting in damage to the environment.
The NGT, September 11, 2020 had sought a factual and action taken report from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (HoFF), Uttarakhand and the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board. A report filed by the PCCF(HoFF), Uttarakhand, April 8, 2021 stated that the forest department had imposed a fine of Rs. 2.21 lakhs on PWD Kalsi, on account of the loss in muck disposal on the reserved land as the disposal of the muck has not been done on the identified places but done on the down slopes.
The NGT directed the PWD to ensure that disposal of stones and muck generated during construction of the road in question is at designated sites as per norms. The Forest Department has been asked to maintain vigil for compliance of rule of law.