MCD clears 7.2 km of Mayapuri roads, tells NGT encroachments removed

New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it has carried out seven drives against encroachments in Mayapuri since March this year. Encroachments along 7.2 km of roads — mainly automobile repair and scrap units — were removed, and over 100 machines and equipment seized.

The NGT had taken suo motu cognisance of a TOI report last year that highlighted the dismantling of end-of-life vehicles in violation of safety and environmental norms. TOI had reported in Aug that workers were using hammers and chisels to break vehicle parts on roadsides. Components such as engines, shock absorbers, silencers and rims were found lying on roads, causing pollution and obstruction. Workers were also not using protective gear.

In a report dated May 28 and shared on June 8, MCD said it had been conducting clearance drives in Mayapuri Phase II in Ward 99 (Hari Nagar). The first drive covered a 1,000-metre stretch in B Block on March 25, during which 30 items, including a four-wheeler, were seized. The latest drive was carried out on May 15 on a 700-metre stretch in Mayapuri Phase II and adjoining areas, with 20 items seized.

MCD, which conducted an encroachment removal drive in association with Delhi Police, told NGT that after completion of such drives, letters were sent to SHO, Mayapuri, requesting strict vigil in the area so that re-encroachment by illegal vendors is prevented.

In an order dated May 29, the tribunal had observed that the MCD officials had removed the entire encroachment, but they have observed that in the morning, the pipe cutting goes on in the area concerned. NGT has also summoned SHO, Mayapuri Police Station, in the matter.