The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently heard an original application filed suo motu, regarding encroachment and pollution of Baghel Talab, a large water body stretching over 42 km in Uttar Pradesh.
The Principal Bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member Dr A Senthil Vel considered a joint committee report filed on August 27, 2024, which revealed that Baghel Talab’s area was reflected as 1383.13 hectares in the Indian Wetlands Portal, but only 121.774 hectares were identified as “Water” and 441.558 hectares as “Land of Baghel Talab”.
The District Magistrate, Bahraich, reported attempts to protect the lesser area of 441.58 hectares.
The UP State Wetland Authority, respondent no. 2, was served but failed to respond or appear.
According to Rule 5 of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, the State Wetland Authority is responsible for conserving wetlands. The Tribunal directed the Member Secretary, UP State Wetlands Authority, to appear virtually on the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 8, 2025.
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