Tue Jul 15 19:54:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article from the Indian perspective, as if published in “The Hindu” online.
**Summary:**
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has levied a hefty fine of ₹23.7 crore on authorities in Uttar Pradesh for environmental violations near Loni (Ghaziabad). Nagar Palika Parishad, Loni, and the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam are penalized for illegally discharging sewage and dumping solid waste in a designated green belt area, causing groundwater contamination. The NGT mandates the deposit of the compensation with the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to be used for environmental remediation and restoration. The tribunal also highlighted the inadequate sewage treatment facilities in the area.
**News Article:**
**UP Authorities Slapped with ₹23.7 Crore Fine for Green Belt Violation Near Ghaziabad**
*The Hindu, July 16, 2025, 01:24 am IST*
**NEW DELHI:** The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has come down heavily on Uttar Pradesh authorities, imposing a significant fine of ₹23.7 crore for environmental violations in Loni (Ghaziabad). The fine, levied on the Nagar Palika Parishad, Loni (₹2.25 crore), and the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (₹21.52 crore), stems from the illegal discharge of sewage and dumping of solid waste within a designated green belt area near Ansal East End.
The NGT’s ruling follows a complaint filed by local residents highlighting the hazardous dumping of municipal waste, overseen by an Executive Officer of the Nagar Palika. Subsequent investigations by government agencies confirmed widespread environmental breaches, including worrying levels of groundwater contamination.
The tribunal, led by Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, alongside expert member Afroz Ahmad, has ordered the fined entities to deposit the compensation with the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) within three months. The funds are specifically earmarked for the remediation, rejuvenation, and restoration of the damaged environment through a comprehensive environmental rejuvenation plan.
The NGT’s directive emphasizes the need for a joint committee to formulate the restoration plan within three months, with implementation expected within six months of the funds’ recovery. Regular compliance reports are also mandated.
The NGT expressed serious concerns about the state of sewage treatment facilities in the Nagar Palika Parishad, Loni, noting that only 30% of the total sewage is treated and only for 15 out of 55 wards. This exposes larger systematic issues that need urgent attention to protect the environment. This ruling underscores the NGT’s commitment to environmental protection and serves as a strong message to local bodies across the nation about the consequences of environmental negligence. The case also puts a spotlight on the citizen’s role in calling out such violations and working towards a greener India.
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