NGT has banned illegal construction on the banks of Gomati river. Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is accused of constructing roads and buildings in the river bed and flood area, after which NGT has issued a notice to LDA for violation of Ganga Order 2016.
New Delhi [भारत]July 13 (ANI): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed to stop any construction work along the Gomti river in violation of the Ganga River (Rejuvenation, Conservation and Management) Authority Order, 2016. The NGT has issued notice to the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and other respondents on a plea alleging illegal construction in the river bank, river bed and flood zone.
LDA accused of illegal construction
A bench of Chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmed passed the interim direction after taking note of allegations that embankments, a four-lane road and several high-rise buildings were being constructed by the LDA along the banks of river Gomti, within its river bed and flood zone. The petitioner argued that since the Gomti is a tributary of the Ganga, the Ganga Rejuvenation Framework 2016 applies to it, and prior approval of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is mandatory for such activities.
NGT cited the 2016 order
Citing the 2016 order, the tribunal said it mandates keeping the banks and flood plains of the Ganga and its tributaries construction-free and prohibits construction of permanent or temporary structures in the river, on its banks or in the active flood plain, except in certain limited circumstances. It also noted that prior approval of NMCG is required for construction of bridges, associated roads, embankments and certain other activities affecting the river or its floodplain.
Citing photographs, the petitioner alleged that construction was being done on the banks of the Gomati river in violation of these provisions. He also told the tribunal that he had lodged a complaint with the NMCG in January 2026, following which the NMCG had written letters to the District Magistrate, Chairman of the District Ganga Committee, Lucknow and the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, seeking necessary action. According to the petition, despite this communication, construction continued.
interim order of the court
During the hearing, the counsel appearing for some state officials accepted the notice and said that no construction can be allowed contrary to the Ganga Rejuvenation Framework of 2016. Recording this statement and considering the circumstances, the Tribunal directed as an interim measure that the respondent authorities shall not carry out any construction in violation of the Ganga River (Rejuvenation, Conservation and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.
The NGT also noted that a separate case related to the demarcation of the floodplain of the Gomati river is already pending before it. The present matter has been directed to be listed along with that matter on August 25. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)