NGT orders action against university run by Azam Khan for encroaching Kosi flood plains

In fresh trouble for Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan, the National Green Tribunal has ordered action against a private university run by him in Rampur for "encroachment" on Kosi floodplain.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said that since Kosi river is a tributary of river Ganga, concerned statutory authorities may take appropriate action against the encroachers.

"A report dated August 13, 2019 has been filed by the UP Pollution Control Board to the effect that land has been illegally grabbed by the trust and action has been taken, against which appeal is pending before the Divisional Commissioner, Moradabad. FIR has also been registered and process for cancellation of lease has also been taken.

"In view of the report, we are of the view that action may also need to be taken for encroachment of the floodplain in accordance with law in view of the fact that Kosi River is contributory of river Ganga. The concerned statutory authorities may proceed in accordance ..