NGT Launches Investigation into Alleged Wetland Destruction in Gurgaon
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken decisive action by ordering a joint inspection into serious allegations of environmental violations involving a protected wetland in Manesar, Gurgaon. According to reports, the wetland, spanning approximately 6 acres (2.8 hectares) in Naharpur Kasan village, has been allegedly dewatered, filled up, and a road constructed over it, flouting established environmental norms.
NGT's Directive and Committee Formation
On Monday, the NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and including expert member Dr. Afroz Ahmad, issued notices to all relevant parties and constituted a three-member panel to investigate the matter. This committee, with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) serving as the nodal officer, comprises representatives from the Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority (HPWWMA), the regional office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in Chandigarh, and the DC's office.
The NGT emphasized that the plea raised a substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms, necessitating an independent factual verification. The bench directed the committee to submit a detailed factual and action-taken report within eight weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 21, with the applicant required to complete service and file an affidavit at least a week prior.
Allegations and Legal Context
The original application, filed by local resident KK Yadav, alleges that respondent no. 6, the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), carried out the dewatering and landfilling activities, thereby paving the way for unauthorized construction over the wetland. The plea asserts that this waterbody is officially recorded as a johar (pond) in revenue records and is listed as an identified wetland in the National Wetland Atlas prepared by the MoEF&CC.
Despite its protected status, the wetland was allegedly reclaimed to facilitate construction, which not only violates wetland protection norms but also poses a significant threat to groundwater recharge and the local ecology. The applicant highlighted that the waterbody enjoys protection under the Supreme Court's 2017 judgment in MK Balakrishnan vs Union of India, which mandates strict preservation of identified wetlands nationwide. Any alteration, reclamation, or construction over such wetlands constitutes a direct violation of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.
Committee's Mandate and Responsibilities
The joint committee has been tasked with several critical responsibilities to ensure a thorough investigation:
- Visiting the site to assess the current condition and any visible damage.
- Examining revenue and official records to ascertain the original extent and legal status of the pond.
- Identifying any encroachments or unauthorized constructions that may have occurred.
- Fixing responsibility for any illegal activities uncovered during the inspection.
The parties involved in this case include the Haryana government, Gurgaon DC, Haryana Pollution Control Board, MoEF&CC, HSIIDC, and HPWWMA. This comprehensive approach aims to hold accountable those responsible for the alleged environmental degradation and ensure compliance with conservation laws.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges in balancing development with environmental protection in rapidly urbanizing areas like Gurgaon. The NGT's intervention reflects a commitment to upholding green laws and safeguarding vital ecosystems from unauthorized exploitation.
