Green Court notice to Centre, JNU on ‘illegal’ constructions in ridge
NEW DELHI: An NGO alleging unauthorised construction in the ecologically sensitive southern Ridge area by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has prompted the National Green Tribunal to seek a response from the Centre andthe varsity on the issue.
A bench, headed by NGT chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar, issued notices to Ministry of Environment and Forests, JNU, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi government and others while seeking their reply within two weeks.
The order came on the NGO CHETNA’s plea against JNU, National Intelligence Grid and CRPF for constructing illegal buildings in the reserve forest area without environmental clearance.
“Counsel appearing for the applicant submits that the present application would confine to the unauthorised construction of seven buildings in JNU Campus in violation of law and in the forest area. Issue notice to the respondents,” the bench also comprising justice RS Rathore said and listed the matter for next hearing on November 7.
The NGO contended that JNU comes under the South Central Ridge (Reserve Forest) category and any type of construction is prohibited in it.
It claims that seven buildings were erected on the JNU campus without taking prior permission from Ridge Management Board threatening the area’s ecology.
The buildings include 24 typeIII flats for staff at Paschimabad, sewage treatment plant in Saraswatipuram, new hostel building near Shipra hostel, Trans-Disciplinary academic building, Yamuna hostel warden flats and dining hall.