NGT orders enquiry into encroachments in Badshapur fort

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The National Green Tribunal has taken note of a plea alleging encroachments in a Mughal-era fort at Badshapur in Gurgaon and directed the deputy commissioner of the area to look into the matter.

A bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, ordered the official, along with the Haryana Pollution Control Board and Archaeological Survey of India, to look into the allegations and take appropriate action in accordance with the law within two months.

"A report of the action taken may be furnished to this tribunal by an email on or before January 31, 2019. The same be put up for consideration on February 12, 2019," the bench, also comprising Justice Jawad Rahim, said.

The NGT clarified that the order of the tribunal is binding as a decree of Court and its non-compliance is actionable by way of punitive action, including prosecution, in terms of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

The tribunal was hearing a plea by city resident Pardeep Nirala, alleging encroachments in the Mughal-era fort by setting up an illegal colony of about 150 houses on the green area.

It claimed that intrusion on the territory has resulted in illegal extraction of ground water and violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

"Its impact is that there are insanitary conditions, collection of garbage threatening public health. Reliance is placed on the photographs and newspaper reports. It is also stated that representations were made to the concerned authorities, but no action has been taken," the bench noted.

The Badshahpur Qila was the maternal home of one of Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar's wives. The last Mughal emperor was a frequent visitor here.