NGT raps Delhi govt over unauthorised constructions in S Delhi

The National Green Tribunal has rapped Delhi government, including the Public Works Department (PWD), over unauthorised constructions being carried out in South Delhi's Jaunapur and Dera Mandi forest areas.
"Inspite of interim order already passed, the road laying process and cutting of trees are still going on... Even though some portions are in occupation of private individuals, it is not disputed that since long, the entire area is declared as forest area.
"Therefore, it is the duty of the Forest Department as well as PWD to see that there is no construction activity and no tree cutting is permitted," a bench headed by Justice P Jyothimani said.

The observations came while hearing a plea by South Delhi resident Amarjit Singh Nalwa seeking a stay on all illegal activities including cutting of trees, construction of residential accommodation and laying of concrete RCC roads through forest.
He has also stated that unauthorised constructions are going on illegally in the said area and the authorities are not taking any steps.
The Tribunal, which had earlier ordered status quo in respect of construction in the area, directed the Forest Department as well as PWD to "scrupulously" implement the orders and file status report by April 16, next date of hearing.
The plea filed through, advocate Rahul Choudhary, also seeks stay on disposal of municipal waste, boring of illegal tube wells, burning plastic and illegal mining activities in violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 in the notified forest areas of Jaunapur and Dera Mandi.

Earlier, Choudhary had contended that according to a notification dated April 2,1996 the Revenue Department has handed over the lands along to the Forest Department of Delhi government.