NGT asks CPWD to look into cutting of trees for Barapullah elevated corridor

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to look into the alleged cutting of 100 trees in a park at the Tyagraj Nagar market here during the construction of the second phase of the Barapullah elevated corridor.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asked the authorities to look into the allegations raised in a petition and take action as per law.

"The allegations will require to be looked into and action taken as per law. We direct that the matter be looked into by CPWD and PWD, Delhi. They may look into the alleged violations of the Forest Act on account of cutting of trees and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on account of destroying the park and take action within one month," the bench, also comprising Justice Jawad Rahim, said.

The tribunal made it clear that in case of non-compliance of the order, coercive measures as provided under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 may have to be taken, including imposition of cost and direction of prosecution of the persons responsible, including the head of the departments concerned.

The direction came while the bench was hearing a plea filed by Tyagraj Nagar Market (Prem Nagar), which alleged that due to the construction of the ramp of the Barapullah elevated corridor-II, the park in the Tyagraj Nagar market was damaged. The construction of an office had led to the cutting of 100 trees and loss of water bodies, the petition alleged.

After missing a number of deadlines, the second phase of the Barapullah elevated corridor between Sarai Kale Khan and INA Market at Aurobindo Marg was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on July 28.

The work on the second phase of the flyover, sanctioned in 2012 and started a year later, was initially slated to be completed by 2015. The deadline was first extended to September 2017, then to December 2017 and then to March 2018. It also missed its June 2018 deadline.

The flyover will not only connect east and south Delhi, but also help commuters from east Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida to reach the AIIMS and Safdarjung hospitals in lesser time.

The first phase, from Sarai Kale Khan to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, is already operational.

The four-km first phase of the elevated road over the Barapullah Nallah connected Sarai Kale Khan and JLN Stadium. The extended two-km second phase will connect JLN Stadium and INA market.