NGT warns Ludhiana authorities over 'wilful defiance' of orders

Ludhiana: In a matter pertaining to non-compliance of National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, the bench has issued notice to the joint committee comprising the deputy commissioner (district magistrate) as nodal agency. The matter was heard on Wednesday by the chairperson bench, which, after considering the submissions, issued notices to the district magistrate, Punjab Pollution Control Board, and MoEF&CC.The authorities have been directed to file their reply/compliance report at least one week prior to the next date of hearing, which is now fixed for July 7. The complainants claimed that issuance of notice underscores the Tribunal's firm stance against administrative apathy and sends a clear message that continued defiance of environmental orders will invite strict legal consequences.Initially, the activists from Public Action Committee filed an application in the National Green Tribunal against repeated encroachments on greenbelts and public parks by authorities including the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana Improvement Trust, and Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority. The application specifically highlighted illegal constructions in greenbelt areas along Old GT Road near Buddha Dariya, adjoining Sarabha Nagar Zone-D Office of MC, Model Town Extension, and other parks in the city.However, the NGT disposed of the matter on July 31, 2025, after constituting a joint committee comprising the regional officer of MoEF&CC, the member secretary of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, and the district magistrate as the nodal agency. The committee was directed to verify whether the identified areas were earmarked as green spaces and, in case of encroachments, to take remedial and punitive action within three months and submit an action taken report to the Tribunal.But despite the lapse of more than six months, the joint committee failed to comply with the Tribunal's directions. No meaningful action was initiated by the concerned authorities. The activists submitted several representations to the district magistrate on Sept 14, 2025, and Jan 10, and an email on Nov 21, 2025, addressed to all Committee members, yet no response or action followed.The activists Kapil Arora and Amandeep Bains shared that, in the absence of any action, fresh construction activities have reportedly commenced for a tehsil office within the same greenbelt along Old GT Road. This development is in blatant violation of environmental laws, master plan provisions, and binding directions of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal and warrants immediate intervention. The PAC members informed that, taking serious note of this continued and wilful non-compliance, they filed an execution application before the Tribunal.