Expressing concern over the slow restoration and rehabilitation work in Uttarakhand after the 2013 disaster caused by flash floods, the National Green Tribunal has directed the state government to give "utmost" priority to the work.
The green panel said the state government should start restoration work in the entire region "at the earliest" without any further delay.
"The counsel appearing for the State (Uttarakhand) submits that they have already started restoration work. We expect the state to grant utmost priority to this project and ensure that the restoration work in the entire region be completed without any further delay," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.
During the hearing, the Environment Ministry told NGT that it has received the proposal with regard to the zonal master plan and Eco-Sensitive Zone around the 100 km stretch from Gomukh to Uttarkashi and it would be dealt expeditiously.
The green panel had earlier asked the Uttarakhand government to "strictly" abide by its undertaking that no activity of any kind would be carried on in the proposed eco- sensitive area till further orders.
The NGT was hearing a plea by lawyers' body Legal Aid Committee which had sought directions to the Ministry to place on record the cumulative impact assessment of hydro projects on the Himalayan rivers, particularly in Uttarakhand.
