NGT seeks detailed info on environmental remediation plan in U’khand

Dehradun: National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wed sought complete disclosure from Uttarakhand authorities in a case concerning environmental grievances linked to projects proposed or under implementation in the state, holding that the material placed before it so far was incomplete.A bench of Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, while hearing an application filed by Hemant Singh Gonia, said the additional affidavit filed by State Wetland Authority (SWA), Dehradun, on Jan 28 did not provide complete information with all requisite details of the projects meant for remediation of the grievances raised in the application and that it found the response inadequate on the core issue of remedial measures.Counsel for Uttarakhand pollution control board (UKPCB), state govt and SWA sought time to respond in the matter, following which, the tribunal granted it two months to file an additional response and listed the matter for hearing on July 14.The order also highlighted an important stand taken earlier by the SWA. In its reply dated June 3, 2025, the authority had submitted that Nainital lake does not fall within the definition of “wetland” for the purposes of the Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017, as those rules do not apply to wetlands located in areas covered under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, now referred to as the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.The tribunal observed that the presence of the principal chief conservator of forests and head of forest force, Uttarakhand, was essential for just and proper adjudication of the substantial environmental questions involved. The official was therefore impleaded as a respondent, and granted two months’ time to file a response.