Ludhiana: A joint committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to examine alleged encroachments on designated green belts and public parks in Ludhiana has found that several identified sites fall within green belt areas earmarked under the approved master plan. After inspecting 33 locations, the panel recommended stricter protection measures, removal of unauthorised uses and restoration of green spaces wherever feasible.The committee inspected 26 sites under the municipal corporation and seven under Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada) in response to an execution application before the NGT.The panel comprised MC joint commissioner Vineet Kumar, engineer Jatinder Soni, an environment engineer from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), and Dr K Muthamizh Selvan, additional director and scientist member nominated by the regional office of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC).According to the report submitted before the tribunal, MC, Glada and Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) set up facilities such as milk booths, libraries, departmental offices, tiled areas and a religious structure in the identified green belt areas. The committee noted that these facilities were being used for public purposes and serving their intended functions. However, it also highlighted concerns regarding maintenance and protection of the surrounding green areas.The report identified buildings, booths, paved portions, garbage dumping sites and other structures within designated green spaces and recommended that these be examined under applicable rules and planning provisions.Key recommendations of the committee include proper demarcation and fencing of green belts, preventing unauthorised parking and encroachments, imposing penalties for illegal occupation, damage to trees and destruction of green cover. It has also recommended removal of unnecessary concrete structures and restoration of such areas through plantation of trees, shrubs, grass and other vegetation.The panel suggested strict enforcement against parking on green belts and roadside green areas, including installation of bollards to restrict vehicular access. Besides, it recommended regulation of entry and exit points along these stretches to prevent encroachment and occupation of public spaces.The report advised the MC, Glada and LIT to prepare updated inventories and digital maps of all green belts, parks and open spaces and carry out regular inspections to ensure that such areas are not converted for parking, commercial activity or construction purposes.It also recommended that all existing structures, commercial establishments, booths, sheds and paved areas located within designated green spaces be scrutinised against master plan provisions and land-use records. Unauthorised structures or activities, if found, should be removed and affected areas restored in accordance with law. The committee stated that no new permanent construction, commercial activity, parking facility or any other non-green use should be permitted in designated green belts and public parks unless specifically allowed under relevant planning laws.The matter stems from allegations that green belts and public parks under the jurisdiction of the MC, Glada and LIT had been encroached upon and used for construction and commercial activities. The complainant said that authorities failed to act despite being served notices.In an order issued on July 31, 2025, the NGT constituted the joint committee and directed it to verify records, conduct site inspections and ascertain whether identified areas had been earmarked as green spaces. The tribunal also asked the panel to identify encroachments and ensure remedial and punitive action where required.Subsequently, the complainant filed an execution application alleging non-compliance with the tribunal’s directions. On March 18, 2026, the NGT directed respondents and committee members to submit their compliance report before the next hearing scheduled for Sept 17.Box: What the panel recommends–Properly demarcate and fence all green belts to prevent encroachments–Impose penalties for illegal occupation, tree damage and destruction of green areas–Remove unnecessary concrete structures and restore green cover with trees, shrubs and grass–Crack down on parking in green belts and roadside green areas; install bollards to block vehicular access–Regulate entry and exit points along green stretches to prevent occupation of public space–Prepare updated inventories and digital maps of green belts, parks and open spaces–Conduct periodic inspections to prevent conversion of green areas for parking, commercial activity or construction–Examine all existing structures, booths, sheds and commercial establishments against master plan norms–Remove unauthorised structures and restore affected green areas as per law
