NGT directs action on encroachments at Jharsa pond in Sector 47

A survey of land recorded as Jharsa pond in Sector 47 found a 39-square-yard temple, seven jhuggi structures, a masonry structure and part of a road on the water body.

The National Green Tribunal, in an order pronounced on August 24, directed Haryana agencies to act under the law on the identified encroachments and restore the 2.47-acre water body at Khasra No. 6//26 in Fatehpur Jharsa. Sector 47 resident Virendra Tyagi filed the petition in May 2023, alleging that encroachment and waste dumping had damaged the pond.

A demarcation by HSVP and revenue officials found that the temple occupied 39 square yards, the masonry structure covered five square yards, and the seven jhuggi structures covered 275 square yards. It also found that a road and footpath built by HSVP occupied 1,077 square yards.

The tribunal said the surveyed encroachments were constructed after a May 25, 2015, status quo order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and were not protected by that order. It asked MCG, GMDA, HSVP, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, the state water resources authority and the district magistrate to follow applicable restoration guidelines.

MCG said it had developed the pond with GMDA, including fencing, benches, an open gym, a footpath and treated-water supply from the Behrampur STP.