NGT Directs Meerut Development Authority to Remove Illegal Encroachments in Sai Puram Area

February 2, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Meerut Development Authority (MDA) to take swift action against illegal encroachments and unauthorized constructions in the Sai Puram area of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of planning and environmental regulations.

The order was passed by a bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel while disposing of a miscellaneous application filed in connection with a long-running case concerning alleged encroachment on land claimed to be a public park in Sai Puram on Delhi Road in Meerut.

The case originated from an application filed by Chandra Shekhar Gupta, who alleged that a public park in Sai Puram had been encroached upon. In November 2018, the Tribunal directed the District Magistrate of Meerut to examine the matter and take appropriate legal action.

Subsequently, when compliance issues were raised, an execution application was filed in 2019. At that time, authorities informed the Tribunal that action had been initiated to remove the illegal encroachment, but the matter was pending before the Commissioner on appeal. The Tribunal clarified that the administration could proceed with enforcement unless there was a stay order from a higher authority.

In 2023, the applicant again approached the Tribunal alleging that no action had been taken despite earlier directions. The Tribunal then instructed the District Magistrate to take remedial steps and submit a report on the action taken.

During the latest proceedings, the applicant argued that official planning records specifically Entry No. 61 in the Meerut Development Authority’s register contained a map identifying the land as a park that required protection. However, the MDA stated that the relevant records could not be produced because they were allegedly destroyed during floods in 2006–2007.

The Tribunal noted that the MDA had not initially provided documentary proof supporting the claim that records were destroyed in floods. It also observed that a police complaint regarding the loss of records was lodged only in 2025, after the Tribunal raised concerns. The bench remarked that the circumstances surrounding the missing records appeared suspicious.

In its affidavit, the MDA maintained that the Sai Puram land falls within a residential zone under the Meerut Master Plan 2021–2031 and that there is no officially sanctioned planning document recognizing it as a park. The authority also stated that unauthorized construction had spread widely in the area and that demolition proceedings had already been initiated against illegal structures.

Taking note of these submissions, the Tribunal directed the Meerut Development Authority to continue removing encroachments and unauthorized constructions that lack proper sanction or approval. The bench stressed that the action should be carried out promptly, particularly in cases where no legal stay or court order prevents enforcement.

With these directions, the Tribunal disposed of the miscellaneous application and all pending interlocutory applications connected with the matter.

The ruling reinforces the Tribunal’s ongoing scrutiny of land-use violations and unauthorized construction in urban areas, while highlighting the responsibility of local authorities to ensure compliance with planning laws and protect public spaces.

Case Reference : M.A. No. 61/2023 (I.A. Nos. 64/2025 & 671/2025) in Original Application No. 736/2018, with I.A. No. 741/2023 in Original Application No. 736/2018, Chandra Shekhar Gupta vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.; Counsels: Applicant: Mr. Chandra Shekhar Gupta (appearing in person); Respondents: Mr. Srinivas Vishven, Advocate for Meerut Development Authority; Mr. Ankit Verma, Advocate for the State of Uttar Pradesh; Mr. Pradeep Misra and Mr. Daleep Dhyani, Advocates for UPPCB; Mr. Raj Kumar, Advocate in I.A. No. 64/2025 (through VC).