NGT asks Delhi,Haryana to give ESZ proposal on Okhla sanctuary

The National Green Tribunal has directed Delhi and Haryana governments to send their proposals regarding eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Okhla Bird Sanctuary to the Centre by February 13.
A bench headed by Justice P Jyothimani gave the direction so that the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), which is looking into the proposal sent by Uttar Pradesh government, could take a decision on the issue by the next date of hearing on February 25.
Delhi and Haryana government were given 10 days from February 3 to submit their proposals before the MoEF after they sought more time for it.

"It is brought to the notice of this tribunal that the proposal sent by UP is under consideration by MoEF through the National Board of Wild Life and MoEF seeks some more time for the purpose of taking decision on the said issue.
"The State of Haryana and the Government of NCT of Delhi shall file the proposals regarding eco-sensitive zone directly to MoEF so as to enable MoEF to take decision by the next date of hearing. The State of Haryana and the Government of NCT of Delhi shall send the proposals to MoEF within a period of ten days from today (February 3)," the bench said.

The tribunal was hearing a plea seeking prevention of the alleged illegal and unauthorised construction being undertaken by builders within the sanctuary's 10-km radius, which the petitioner, Amit Kumar claims to be an ESZ.
However, a committee under the chairmanship of District Magistrate of Gautambudh Nagar recommended ESZ to be a one-km area and this, according to Kumar, has been reduced to 100 metres in the state government's latest proposal.