NGT say no to lift construction ban on Yamuna floodplain in Agra

NEW DELHI: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has refused to withdraw its 2015 order that restrained the construction and transfer of possession of flats on Yamuna floodplains in Agra.

Agra builders Kalyani Buildwell Pvt Ltd and Ganpati Infrastructure Development Company Ltd, filed a plea in National Green Tribunal seeking lifting of the June 6, 2015 ban.

A bench headed by Justice Raghuvendra S Rathore, NGT judicial member, said, “After considering the aforesaid application as well as the reply filed by the applicant, we are of the considered opinion that there is no just reason to grant the relief prayed by the applicant at this stage.”

NGT noted that the site inspection reports were against the builders with respect to the location of construction on the floodplain.

NGT had earlier said, “We restrain any further construction, occupancy or transfer of possession of the built-up structure by the builders to any parties. We direct State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), the Agra Development Authority and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to conduct a joint inspection of these buildings in addition to the buildings which are otherwise located in the floodplain area.”