NGT seeks report on encroachment of pond in South Delhi

The National Green Tribunal has instructed the South Delhi district magistrate to ensure a report is submitted within three weeks regarding the encroachment and pollution of a pond in the Vasant Kunj area.

This pond, which is near Kishangarh village, plays a role in the larger lake within Smriti Van (DDA park) and the broader wetland ecosystem of the area. A petition has raised concerns about illegal constructions and the lack of action by authorities.

Earlier, in February, the tribunal had requested a report within two weeks from a joint committee consisting of the South Delhi district magistrate, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi Development Authority, and the Delhi Wetland Authority.

However, this joint committee failed to submit a report. Although the Delhi Development Authority submitted a report in September, it was deemed inadequate by the tribunal.

As a result, the bench, which includes Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal, and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, has now directed the South Delhi district magistrate, as the nodal agency for coordination and compliance, to ensure that the joint committee submits a report within three more weeks.

The case is scheduled for further proceedings on December 8. (With inputs from PTI)