NGT notice to Centre, Haryana on Delhi-Rewari-Jaipur rail line

The National Green Tribunal today sought response from the Centre and the Haryana government on a plea of Gurgaon residents against a railway overbridge project being carried out allegedly without prior environment clearance.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the ministries of Environment and Road Transport, the Central Pollution Control Board, the state government, Haryana Urban Development Authority and others while seeking their reply before January 12.
The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by eight Gurgaon residents seeking directions to restrain the authorities from cutting trees for construction of four-lane railway overbridge on Delhi-Rewari-Jaipur railway line near Palam Vihar-Bajghera road in Gurgaon district.

The residents said the project was in close proximity to a residential township and claimed the overbridge at Palam Vihar was being constructed without environment clearance.
"The respondents have cut 60 trees and destroyed a green belt wide area about 35 feet, which was developed and situated in front of the houses of the applicants and the same which adversely affecting the environment.
"Felling of 60 trees has caused severe dust pollution in the area," the plea, filed through advocate Sunaina Valecha, said.
It further said that destruction of green belt would expose the residents to "severe and incessant" pollution which is likely to cause respiratory diseases to the residents.