Overview
- The National Green Tribunal issued notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh authorities, and Ghaziabad bodies after a plea over waste and sewage harm in the Sai Upwan city forest, naming the environment ministry, CPCB, UPPCB, the UP forest department, the district magistrate, the Ghaziabad Development Authority, and Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam.
- The bench recorded claims of illegal dumping and open burning that are drying about 70,000 trees, along with sewage overflows that flood parts of the forest during rains.
- The order directs all respondents to file sworn replies by affidavit at least one week before the next hearing.
- The tribunal noted that the applicant has confined the case for now to solid and liquid waste issues, with permission to raise other concerns through a separate application.
- Sai Upwan spans about 200 acres and serves as a green buffer in polluted Ghaziabad, and the alleged loss of trees could cut clean air, reduce shade, and limit safe walking space for nearby residents.