The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Haryana government and the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) to respond to allegations concerning the disappearance and encroachment of water bodies in the Gwal Pahari and Badshahpur tehsils of Gurgaon.
The petition, filed by a Gurgaon-based environmentalist, points to several water bodies, including those in Gwal Pahari (Khasra No. 85 and 90, Tehsil Wazirabad) and Badshahpur Pond in Nirvana Country (Ward No. 25, Zone-V), which have reportedly been encroached upon or have disappeared entirely. The plea attributes this loss to rapid urbanisation and the increasing value of land, leading to the destruction of green spaces and water bodies for profit. Notably, the petition references a 2022 Right to Information (RTI) response from the MCG, which allegedly acknowledged that one of the encroachments was carried out by a then-sitting councillor. Despite this admission, a representation made to the MCG in March this year seeking action has reportedly been ignored.
The NGT, upon reviewing the case, recognised the serious environmental implications and issued notices to the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran and the Haryana Pond & Waste Water Management Authority, in addition to the state and the Gurgaon civic body. The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for October 6, urging the authorities to present their responses and take necessary actions to address the issue. This development underscores the pressing need for urban centres like Gurgaon to balance development with environmental conservation. The encroachment and loss of water bodies not only disrupt local ecosystems but also exacerbate issues such as groundwater depletion and increased urban flooding. In response to the NGT’s directives, the Haryana government has initiated measures to address the situation. The Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon has undertaken a mapping exercise to identify and remove encroachments on water bodies. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, and the upcoming NGT hearing will be crucial in determining the accountability of the involved authorities.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and the importance of stringent enforcement of environmental regulations. It also highlights the role of civic engagement and legal mechanisms in holding authorities accountable for preserving the natural resources that are vital for sustainable urban living. As the next hearing approaches, stakeholders, including residents, environmentalists, and urban planners, await concrete actions from the Haryana government and the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon to restore and protect the city’s diminishing water bodies.
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