NGT Steps In: Illegal Road Construction in Mangar Bani Halted

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken decisive action regarding illegal construction in the Mangar Bani ecologically sensitive area. The tribunal has directed Haryana's principal chief conservator of forests to guarantee that no unlawful building activities transpire within the region.

A comprehensive report must be submitted by the forest chief to the NGT at least one week prior to the next hearing, which is scheduled for October 16. This intervention stems from a petition filed by environmentalist Sarvadaman Singh Oberoi concerning the unauthorized paving of a road in Mangar village.

Oberoi's petition asserts that the affected land is part of Mangar Bani's "deemed forest" and is protected by a June 2016 notification designating it and a 500-meter buffer as a no-construction zone. The NGT acknowledged the case presents a substantial environmental compliance issue and issued notices to the respondents.

Mangar Bani, the only sacred grove in the National Capital Region, supports around 30 native tree species, over 130 shrubs and herbs, and more than 240 bird species. Experts warn that even limited road access can lead to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. The forest department had previously halted the paving work on July 18, citing the area's no-construction status and referring the matter to the town and country planning department.