NGT issues notices to Gurugram civic bodies, others

The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to the Gurugram civic authorities seeking a reply on insanitary conditions caused by the overflow of sewerage lines in many colonies of Ward No. 16 in Gurugram City. Notices have been issued to Gurugram Municipal Corporation, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), District Magistrate of Gurugram and the Central Pollution Control Board. The NGT has fixed January 24, 2025 as the next date of hearing.

The Bench comprising NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert members Afroz Ahmad and A Senthil Vel ordered, “Issue notices to all the four respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit before the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing in the case”.

These areas are reportedly plagued by broken and damaged sewerage lines that are overflowing for the past many months spilling filth on the roads. During rains, due to waterlogging on roads, water mixed with sewerage water spread foul smell and made it difficult for pedestrians to walk even on footpaths.

The NGT has taken suo moto notice of media reports regarding the poor civic amenities being faced by the residents of Ward Number 16, comprising Arjun Colony, Idgah Colony, Jyoti Park, Madanpuri, Nehru Lane, Pratap Nagar, Vijay Park, Manohar Nagar and many other colonies and housing societies located in the heart of Gurugram city.

The Tribunal also took note of the menace of stray cattle that also added to the woes of the local people. The NGT observed that keeping in mind all issues related to environmental norms, it has decided to intervene and pursue legal action as per the environment laws. Many more such cases are pending in the tribunal. The disposal of legacy waste at Bandhwari landfill site is also being monitored by expert members of the green body.