NGT warrant against BJP leader over Mandakini river encroachment

BHOPAL: National Green Tribunal (NGT) Central zone bench has issued warrant against a woman BJP leader for her repeated failure to appear before it in connection with construction of a private bridge over Mandakani river in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district.
The river has been encroached upon by three private bridges on it, interrupting natural flow. One is exclusive property of a RSS-affiliated institution, Deen Dayal Shodh Sansthan, second has been build by BJP leader Aruna Shukla and a retired cop, Bhanu Prasad Singh while the third is owned by a self-styled spiritual guru.
Bhanu Pratap Singh had appeared before NGT and submitted his explanation but Aruna Shukla neither appeared before the green panel nor was she represented by any counsel. On this NGT issued a bailable warrant of Rs 5000 against Shukla for securing her presence.
The first bridge is partially open to pilgrims but the other two are for personal use, said RTI activist Nityanand Mishra, who is leading the fight against environmental pillage. He had moved the green tribunal and demanded removal of these encroachments.
Rampant illegal mining at Mandakini catchment area and around the Mokamgarh Mountains is disturbing ecological balance of Chitrakoot, which draws more than 50 lakh pilgrims annually.
Bhanu Pratap Singh, other respondent filed a written submission stating no construction through the river bed has been made by him.
NGT asked counsel Deepesh Joshi appearing for municipal body to submit a status report with regard to progress made as against 16 encroachers against whom notices were issued by municipal board and whether the unlawful constructions have been removed and pollution being caused as a result of unlawful activity/construction has since been remedied.
NGT also directed Chitrakoot Municipality to take action against Tomar after considering the response.