NGT stays construction near Agra lake

The National Green Tribunal Wednesday stayed construction in the reserved forest area around the Keitham Lake here, on a petition by environmentalist DK Joshi, a member of the Supreme Court's monitoring committee.

Rahul Choudhary, advocate for the petitioner told IANS: "The NGT will now take up the Soor Sarovar (Keitham Lake) matter Nov 17 for detailed discussion."

Joshi in his petition has demanded demolition of all unauthorised structures. He had earlier objected to an engineering college building two hostels on the periphery of the lake and directing the waste towards the lake, in addition to installing high-mast lights which disturbed the migratory birds.

Former district forest officer NK Janoo had imposed a fine of Rs. 10 crores on the college management. Later, the authorities sealed the hostels and the college premises which were however reopened at the intervention of the local administration. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court asked the district administration to comply with the various orders, but due to alleged political pressure the files did not move forward for action.

Joshi then filed a separate petition listing new grounds and providing additional information on the violation of the Forest Act and guidelines for wildlife sanctuaries.