Stop construction on pond, says green panel

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has restrained the Delhi government from carrying out any construction activities on a pond in a residential colony in southwest Delhi, after a plea alleged that the authorities were damaging the water body and destroying the green cover there.

A bench, headed by tribunal’s chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar, issued notices to the AAP government, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), Public Works Department (PWD) and others while seeking their reply within two weeks.

The tribunal’s order came on a plea filed by locals, Rajinder Singh and Hari Prakash, seeking restoration of a pond in village Asalatpur Khadar in Janakpuri . “The PWD, Delhi government and DDA have been directed not to carry out any construction activity in violation of the court’s directions dated Sept. 22,” the bench directed. The plea has sought execution of the court’s Sept. 22 order and told the government to ensure protection of the pond and pass relevant directions.

“Till date, no order has been passed by any of the respondents. The plea had sent a letter to respondents informing them about the NGT’s directions and non-compliance of the same. Four weeks had passed since the court gave the order.