NGT sends notice to UP, Haryana over illegal bridge

NOIDA: The National Green Tribunal on Monday issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments as well as the Centre’s environment ministry over illegal sand mining and construction of an unauthorised bridge on the Yamuna’s main stream.

The green court’s move comes after the NGT Bar Association filed a plea with it on Monday over the illegal activities that are said to be plundering the fragile ecosystem of the ailing Yamuna and blocking its natural course.

“Those involved in sand mining are trying to kill the Yamuna by their acts. They are not bothered if their mining activities will damage flood plains. What is more shocking is that fact that police and other officials concerned are hand in glove with them,” said NGT Bar Association president advocate Raj Panjwani.

HT had reported on October 24 that two bridges, one in Noida and the other in Faridabad, being built across the Yamuna were used to traffic sand between the two states.

“In our petition we have asked that why local authorities are not containing the illegal sand mining activities which have depleted the flora and fauna and ecosystem of the river which was once a lifeline of Delhi and NCR towns,” said Agney Sail, secretary, NGT Bar Association.

The petition also demanded an order, directing authorities to file a report about the illegal sand mining. The green court directed the respondents to reply by November 2.