The National Green Tribunal (NGT) pulled up the New Delhi District Magistrate for delay in submission of information pertaining to the demarcation of the Southern Ridge.
A Bench headed by NGT judicial member Justice Raghuvendra S. Rathore noted that according to the tribunal’s June 26 order, the district magistrates of South and South East had provided information about the total areas of land to be demarcated and illegal constructions were identified.
“It is difficult to understand why DM New Delhi could not file an affidavit whereas the other two DMs have done so. It is due to such manner in which the officers are perusing the matter that demarcation and fencing of South East Delhi ridge could not be so far,” the Bench, also comprising NGT expert member S.S. Garbyal, said.
The Bench also noted that the proceedings in the matter have been continuing since 2013-14. Directing the official to file the affidavit within one week, the Bench said, “The usual excuse is being made by the officers, even today, that she has recently joined...we grant time of one week to the DM New Delhi to file affidavit.”
The directions came when the green panel was hearing a group of pleas that were moved seeking directions against encroachments on forest land in the Southern Ridge.
Earlier, the NGT had directed the Delhi government to adhere to carry out demarcation of the area expeditiously.
