NGT directs UP, all states to have separate Horticulture departments in every public authority/municipalities

The NGT has directed the Chief Secretary of UP to take action on the execution of horticulture/plantation works by Civil engineers holding B.Tech. degree instead of trained, qualified horticulturists, in the development authorities and municipalities across the state.

Horticulture works performed by Civil Engineers/Construction departments in UP, several states: NGT directs UP, all states to have separate Horticulture departments in every public authority/municipalities:

The NGT has directed the Chief Secretary of UP to take action on the execution of horticulture/plantation works by Civil engineers holding B.Tech. degree instead of trained, qualified horticulturists, in the development authorities and municipalities across the state.

The tribunal, while hearing the petition of lawyer and environmentalist, Sh. Akash Vashishtha, has directed the Chief Secretary to look into the issue, involving the failure of the state to give effect to the draft Horticulture Policy, recommending the setting up of a dedicated Horticulture Department in each development authority/municipality as well as UP Greening and Beatification Corporation, on the lines of Andhra Pradesh Greening and Beatification Corporation.

Akash Vashishtha is a lawyer practicing at the Supreme Court of India, High Courts and Tribunals.

• The tribunal has further directed all states/UTs to take action in the above terms.

• A period of three months has been given to the Chief Secretaries to comply with the same.

• The petition inter alia pointed that a neat and well developed horticulture in every city/town is required to prevent, control and abate rising air pollution and absorb the atmospheric carbon but barring just two development authorities and a select few municipalities, Horticulture departments in public authorities were non-existent and manned, controlled and supervised by Civil engineers with no knowledge, qualification or experience in Horticulture/forestry/ecology/environment/agriculture, causing arbitrariness, irregularities and inadequate, inappropriate spendings in Horticulture related works.