The National Green Tribunal has sought action-
taken report from the Delhi and Haryana State governments over the declaration
of Najafgarh as a wetland. Wetlands are formed where the water table is at or
near the surface of the land, or where the land is covered by water.
The directions came following a plea moved by an
NGO, Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage. The plea has claimed
that despite the assurance of Haryana government that it would declare
Najafgarh as a wetland, no steps have been taken to check encroachments. The
government has also been alleged of planning to construct a check dam near
Najafgarh lake to reclaim lands belonging to farmers.
Najafgarh is an ecologically significant area
as: a) serves as a habitat for several plant species and bird species such as
Greater flamingos, sarus cranes and greater white pelican, b) acts as a major
groundwater recharge zone for Delhi and Gurgaon, c) it is the only outlet for
floodwater from Gurgaon. Environmentalists have raised concerns about the
construction of the check-dam as it would destroy the ecology of the area.