Green Tribunal Probes Threat to Chandigarh's Ecosystem

The National Green Tribunal has demanded responses from multiple authorities over alleged unauthorized construction near Chandigarh that threatens local biodiversity. Suo motu action was taken following a report by the Punjab forest department detailing forest land violations. Responses are due before proceedings resume on January 28.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called for responses from relevant authorities, including the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's regional office in Punjab. The tribunal is examining allegations of extensive construction activities that jeopardize the ecosystem surrounding Chandigarh.

The NGT took suo motu cognisance of a news report highlighted by the Punjab forest department, expressing concerns over various construction activities in specific realms—Mirzapur, Jayanti Majri, Karoran, Bharonjian, Siswan, and Nada villages. These areas, recently delisted from their forest status, are now under the jurisdiction of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).

The tribunal, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, noted that such developments violate Supreme Court guidelines and pose significant threats to local biodiversity. Notices have been issued to several parties, including the Punjab's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the district magistrate of Chandigarh, with the case scheduled for further hearings on January 28.

(With inputs from agencies.)