Home / Environment / NGT Slams Ministry for Ignoring Aravali Environmental Case
NGT Slams Ministry for Ignoring Aravali Environmental Case
23 Jul
Summary
- NGT criticizes environment ministry for missing proceedings on Aravali violations.
- Ministry ordered to appear virtually or appoint legal counsel.
- Case stems from a report on illegal farmhouses in sensitive Aravali areas.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has rebuked the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for its absence during hearings concerning environmental violations in the Raisina Aravalis. The tribunal directed the ministry to either participate virtually or appoint legal representation for upcoming sessions.
The suo motu case, initiated by the NGT following a TOI report on July 28, 2024, addresses the recurring cycle of illegal farmhouse construction and rebuilding in the sensitive Aravali region. The 1992 Aravali notification prohibits construction and tree felling in protected areas without permission.
Further directions were issued to the ministry's Chandigarh office to submit a reply within two weeks regarding an intervention application. The Ansal Retreat Resident Welfare Association was also given two weeks to provide details of its members and plots. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 1, 2026.
Past NGT orders in December last year mandated Haryana and Rajasthan governments to establish a monitoring committee for encroachment removal. Despite previous demolition orders in 2021 and the identification of over 500 illegal farmhouses, restoration of these protected Aravali areas remains incomplete. An activist noted that construction has escalated due to delayed administrative action.
