A former Union minister has questioned the demolition of seven government residential colonies in South Delhi alleging that over 1.86 lakh trees would be destroyed in the process, leading the NGT to seek the views of the Centre and other parties on the matter.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swata-nter Kumar issued notices to the environment ministry, ministry of urban development (MoUD) and state-owned construction firm National Buildings Construction Limited (NBCC) on the issue.

The National Green Tribunal also appointed advocate Sumeer Sodhi as amicus curiae to probe the matter after taking note of a letter written by RJD leader and former Union Minister Raghunath Jha on September 12.

“This is an application submitted by ex-minister of state of heavy industries and public entrepreneurs. We consider it as a fit case where notice should be is-sued to the ministry of env-ironment and forests, MoUD and NBCC,” the bench, also comprising R.S. Rathore, said. The matter is listed for next hearing on November 2.

In his letter, Mr Jha has alleged that directorate of estates “is demolishing” seven government residential colonies in Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Nau-roji Nagar, Kasturba Nag-ar, Thyagaraj Nagar, Srin-ivaspuri and Mohammad-pur, comprising of type I-IV flats, from this month.

The Union Cabinet had in July approved the redevelopment of seven general pool residential accommodation colonies to replace the existing housing stock.