The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday directed Uttarakhand authorities to provide complete disclosure in a case concerning environmental grievances related to proposed or ongoing projects in the state. The tribunal observed that the material submitted so far was insufficient.
Incomplete Information from State Wetland Authority
A bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel was hearing an application filed by Hemant Singh Gonia. The bench noted that the additional affidavit filed by the State Wetland Authority (SWA), Dehradun, on January 28 did not contain complete information with all necessary details about the projects intended to address the grievances raised in the application. The tribunal found the response inadequate on the core issue of remedial measures.
Two-Month Deadline for Response
Counsel representing the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), the state government, and the SWA requested additional time to respond. The tribunal granted them two months to file a further response and scheduled the next hearing for July 14.
Key Stand on Nainital Lake
The order highlighted a significant stance taken earlier by the SWA. In its reply dated June 3, 2025, the authority submitted that Nainital Lake does not fall within the definition of a wetland under the Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017. The authority argued that these 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.
Forest Official Impleaded
The tribunal observed that the presence of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand, was essential for proper adjudication of the substantial environmental questions involved. Consequently, the official was impleaded as a respondent and granted two months to file a response.
