NGT pulls up civic bodies over unpaid environmental compensation in Agra, Mathura-Vrindavan

Agra: National Green Tribunal (NGT), while reviewing compliance on city rejuvenation efforts, has sought a time-bound action plan from civic authorities in Agra and Mathura-Vrindavan for depositing pending environmental compensation.Hearing two separate pleas on March 17, a principal bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (chairperson) and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad took stock of the situation. A copy of the NGT order came on Wednesday.According to the details, counsel appearing for Agra Nagar Nigam and the Uttar Pradesh govt sought two weeks' time to file a compliance affidavit in line with the tribunal's Dec 22, 2025, order regarding environmental compensation and the status of Agra's rejuvenation plan. The bench allowed the request.Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) informed the tribunal that no amount has been deposited so far against the environmental compensation of Rs 58.39 crore imposed on Agra Nagar Nigam.In the case of Mathura-Vrindavan Nagar Nigam, the board submitted that only Rs 47.38 lakh has been deposited against the total penalty of Rs 7.20 crore.Taking serious note of the shortfall, the Tribunal directed both civic bodies to submit a clear, time-bound roadmap for depositing the compensation amount.The matter has been posted for further hearing on July 8, 2026.