The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued an interim order on July 2, directing the Ghaziabad District Magistrate to prevent any illegal construction in the city’s 200‑acre Sai Upvan forest. The ruling follows reports that the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam has begun unauthorized development within the protected area.

Significance of Sai Upvan

Sai Upvan, often dubbed Ghaziabad’s ‘lungs’, was officially designated as a city forest under the 2021‑2031 master plan. The forest plays a crucial role in air purification, water retention, and biodiversity conservation for the rapidly expanding urban landscape.

Legal Context of the Case

The NGT bench, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and including expert member Afroz Ahmad, heard arguments presented by the applicant’s counsel, Akash Vashishtha. The counsel highlighted that construction activities within Sai Upvan violate its protected status, yet the Nagar Nigam failed to appear before the tribunal, leaving the applicant’s claim uncontested.

Interim Relief and Future Implications

Under the interim relief, the District Magistrate is mandated to halt all illegal construction until the next hearing on September 16. This measure safeguards the forest in the short term and sets the stage for a comprehensive adjudication. Should the Nagar Nigam persist, the NGT may pursue punitive actions.

Environmental and Social Impact

Protecting Sai Upvan will improve Ghaziabad’s air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide a refuge for local wildlife. The decision also sends a clear signal to urban planners that development must be balanced with ecological stewardship.