Green Tribunal Tackles Encroachment on Lucknow Water Bodies

The National Green Tribunal has formed a committee to investigate allegations that realtor Omaxe Limited encroached on five water bodies in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The tribunal has also sought responses from various authorities, including the district magistrate and the Lucknow Development Authority. A report is expected within a month.

The National Green Tribunal has established a panel to investigate the alleged encroachment on five water bodies by realtor Omaxe Limited in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

The tribunal has requested responses from the district magistrate of Lucknow and the vice chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority, among others.

A resident's petition claims Omaxe Limited illegally turned five natural ponds into plots, parks, and roads while developing the residential township Omaxe City in Lucknow. The allegations prompted the tribunal to seek a factual report.

On September 2, a bench comprising judicial member Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Afroz Ahmad noted the significant environmental concerns raised. Consequently, a joint committee, including the district magistrate, UPPCB, and CPCB, has been formed to verify these claims.

The committee is expected to submit its findings within a month, also evaluating the developer's compliance with environmental clearances and pollution control regulations. The tribunal notified relevant authorities, including the UP state's environmental department and Omaxe Limited, to respond within three weeks.

Further proceedings are scheduled for October 22.

(With inputs from agencies.)