NGT shows Hand before construction works within 50 meters from Ganga edge

New Delhi, December 19: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has modified the verdict of declaring 100 meters from the edges of Ganga as ‘No development Zone’. According to the modification first 50 meters from the edges of the river is barred from any kind of construction whereas other 50 meters are declared as ‘Regular Zone '.

This verdict of NGT was given keeping in mind the hilly areas, as the mountainous areas are more sensitive. NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said that keeping in view the topography of mountainous regions, there was a necessity of revisiting its direction.

In a detailed judgement, the tribunal had said in July that "till the demarcation of floodplains and identification of permissible and non-permissible activities by the state government of this judgement, we direct that 100 meters from the edge of the river would be treated as no development/construction zone between Haridwar to Unnao in UP."

However, the bench today said the area falling between 50-100 metre would be considered as "regulatory" zone and there would be ban on construction activity in this area till the state comes with a specific policy.

"We reiterate that an area falling within 50 metre from the edge of Ganga would be considered as 'No-development zone' in hilly areas and no construction or any other activity will be allowed in that area," the bench, also comprising Justice U D Salvi, said.