The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to the UP government, Noida, Greater Noida authorities, and other bodies following a petition alleging illegal construction on farmland. The petition, filed by a former BJP councillor from Ghaziabad, highlights concerns over the encroachment of fertile farmland and unauthorised plotting in Noida and Greater Noida, prompting the NGT to schedule a hearing on July 8. The NGT's intervention underscores the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations and urban planning to address environmental degradation and safeguard agricultural land in the region.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognizance of a petition filed by a former BJP councillor from Ghaziabad, alleging rampant illegal construction activities on farmland in Uttar Pradesh's Noida and Greater Noida regions. The NGT issued notices to various authorities, including the UP government, Noida and Greater Noida authorities, and state pollution control board, along with several builders accused of unauthorised construction.
According to the petitioner, over 20,000 hectares of fertile farmland in Greater Noida have been encroached upon, while more than 20,000 hectares of land in Noida is being illegally plotted for construction purposes. The petition highlighted concerns about large-scale illegal mining of topsoil at these construction sites, leading to significant environmental degradation and the formation of hazardous deep pits.
The NGT bench acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised in the petition and issued notices to the concerned parties accordingly. The petitioner emphasised that many of these construction activities were being carried out without obtaining necessary environmental clearances and approvals from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), violating laws such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Furthermore, the petitioner alleged collusion between authorities and entities such as the Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL), which was accused of facilitating illegal constructions by providing electricity infrastructure. The NGT directed the applicants to serve notices to the respondents and submit an affidavit of service at least one week before the next hearing scheduled for July 8.
The petition underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of environmental regulations and proper urban planning to prevent further encroachment on agricultural land and mitigate environmental degradation in Noida and Greater Noida. The NGT's intervention in this matter reflects its commitment to upholding environmental laws and protecting the ecological balance in the region, ensuring sustainable development and the well-being of communities affected by illegal construction activities.
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