The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for failing to provide detailed information about the encroachment of Kaushalya Park in Hauz Khas, south Delhi. The tribunal was addressing a plea regarding the unlawful occupation and illegal construction within the park’s premises.
During the proceedings, the NGT, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and accompanied by judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, criticized the MCD for its lackluster response. The civic body had submitted a report on November 6, which the tribunal found inadequate. The NGT noted that the report lacked specific details about the park, such as the nature of the land and its designated purpose.
“The reply filed by MCD does not disclose details of Kaushalya Park, the nature of the land in question, and does not adequately address the applicant’s concerns about it being designated as lawns A and B for public purposes,” the tribunal stated.
Additionally, the NGT highlighted that the MCD’s report failed to respond to allegations of unauthorized occupants and construction activities within the park. This omission has led to a call for a more thorough response from the MCD.
Following the critique, the tribunal granted the request from MCD’s counsel for an opportunity to file a comprehensive reply that addresses all issues raised in the plea. The matter has been scheduled for further proceedings on February 24, where the MCD is expected to present a detailed report addressing the tribunal’s concerns and the applicant’s grievances.
