NGT prohibits dumping of rubble in ridge area

National Green Tribunal today prohibited dumping of debris in reserved forest area of the ridge here and directed the DDA and the Public Works Department (PWD) to remove the rubble thrown there.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar observed that non-forest activity in reserved forest area of ridge is not permissible and any person found dumping rubble there will be charged Rs 25,000 per truck for removal of debris on the basis of the principle of polluter pays.
"All without exception are hereby prohibited from throwing any rubble into the reserved forest area (of Rajokri) in terms of the provision of the notification of May 24, 1994. All the debris that has been collected which ought to have been removed by the authorities now shall be removed by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and PWD.

If any person is found to be throwing any debris in the ridge area - the subject matter of the present application - police authorities shall not only prevent him from throwing it in that area but even be entitled to ask for Rs 25,000 for its removal per truck from that person, the bench said.
The tribunal said the ridge shall be under the charge of the DDA.
A May 24, 1994 notification was issued by the Lt Governor of National Capital Territory of Delhi declaring the land, which is subject matter in the case, as reserved forest.
NGT also observed that once such a notification is issued, demarcation of the area, finalisation of forest rights and issuance of final notification under the Indian Forest Act were mandatory steps that were not taken "despite lapse of two decades".

The Tribunal's order came on an application, filed by amicus curiae Raj Panjwani assisted by advocate Rahul Choudhary, alleging that non-forest activity like construction of illegal roads is taking place in the ridge area.