ORDER

1. The Original Application (herei nafter referred to as ‘O.A’) has been registered in exercise of suo-moto jurisdiction on a letter petition dated 25.07.2023 sent by Rakesh Bhardwaj complaining about encroachment and damage to a pond known as Darbari mal talab located at Ward No.1 near Hisar Byepass, Nagar Palika Meham, District Rohtak.

2. Complainant has said that due to inaction/neglect by Meham Nagar Palika, the pond has got filled with garbage; untreated waste water is being discharged in the pond; it has become habitat for poisonous snakes and other harmful creatures which enter the adjoining houses; during monsoon the water collected therein causes flooding in the adjoining houses numbering about 500 in Ward I; part of land of the pond has been encroached upon by land mafia; sludge/silt accumulated in pond has caused death of several cows, dogs etc. and once even a child was entrapped in the same.

3. Tribunal considered the matter on 11.01.2024 and after being prima facie satisfied that a substantial question relating to environment has arisen out of implementation of enactments specified in Schedule I of National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (hereinafter referred to as ‘NG