The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ruled out conducting a broad, unspecified inquiry into the concretisation of parks in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the need for concrete evidence of specific violations. The decision came during a hearing presided over by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Afroz Ahmad.
The tribunal was responding to a plea that highlighted the widespread concretisation of local parks, which purportedly reduces the area’s green cover significantly. The petitioners sought remedial measures, including the removal of concrete from the affected parks and pavements.
In its order dated February 6, the NGT stated, “We find that unless the applicant places on record details of such parks and details of violations, it would not be proper to conduct any roving and fishing inquiry.” The bench further noted that it could only consider the names of parks explicitly listed in the plea.
During the proceedings, the tribunal referenced a government order from March 2018 stipulating that no more than 5% of any park’s area could be used for non-green purposes. Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam, the city’s municipal body, did not dispute this regulation, affirming the 5% limit.
