#NGT panel on concretization, to set norms

GHAZIABAD: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a committee to study the level of concretization in the city and frame guidelines on the issue. The step has been taken following a petition filed by a city-based environmentalist, Akash Vasisth, on the “mindless” concretization undertaken by the GDA despite government orders.

“In an April 2001 government order, it has been clearly stated that no concretization will be carried out on city roads and that it should be left soiled and muddy to enable ground water recharge,” said Vasisth.

“The order has been incorporated in GDA’s building bylaws. Despite this, the civic agency openly indulges in mindless concretization of roads and parks,” he added.

The committee is headed by the district magistrate and will have the GDA vice-chairman and the chief horticulture officer on the panel. The court has asked professor B Bhattacharjee from IIT-Delhi, an expert in civil engineering, to prepare guidelines. A report has been sought from the committee by September 1.