Resolve Inefficacy in Horticulture Works and Plantation: NGT

Dealing with the request against plantation deficiency and agriculture works by Development Authorities and Local Bodies in Uttar Pradesh, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has guided the UP Chief Secretary to look into the issue and solve it as per regulation in three months or less. The action may be considered in all states/UTs in the country as per the directions of NGT.

Akash Vashishtha, an environmental lawyer, says that the development of parks, gardens, green belts, soil testing, grassing, city forests, river-bank plantations, and biodiversity parks are all examples of inadequate plantation and horticulture. And the issue can be solved only by preparing or updating Horticulture Policy which will be made by people with relevant qualification.

The same mechanism is requested for UP, citing the goals of Andhra Pradesh Greening and Beautification Corporation Ltd. The objectives include implementing the most effective greening strategies to mitigate climate change, providing municipal bodies and other needy organizations in the state with green cover and climate change management services, and more.

The petition also said that every city or town needs a neat and well-developed horticulture to prevent, control, and reduce rising air pollution and absorb atmospheric carbon.

According to the complaint, there were no horticulture departments in public authorities at all, and they were manned, controlled, and supervised by civil engineers who lacked knowledge, qualifications, or experience in horticulture, forestry, ecology, agriculture, or the environment. This led to arbitrariness, irregularities, and insufficient or inappropriate spending on horticulture-related projects.