National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) Central Zone Bench on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to submit their replies and a compliance report within two weeks in a case concerning the alleged covering of soil around old trees with cement concrete during road widening and construction work in Bhopal. The directions came during a hearing on a petition filed by Ashok Bhatia. The petition alleges that soil around the trunks of old trees has been covered with cement concrete during road construction and widening in several parts of the city, including Awadhpuri, the stretch from Rishi East City Square to New Fort Children’s Park, MP Nagar and Arera Colony. The applicant has raised concerns that the concrete covering could restrict air from reaching the roots, reduce water infiltration into the soil and interfere with the natural growth of the trees.

 

Applicant alleges non-compliance with previous orders: The petition also refers to earlier directions issued by the tribunal in Original Application No. 90/2026 (CZ), through an order dated April 20, 2026, and proceedings related to Application No. 166/2025 (CZ). The applicant has alleged that the authorities concerned have not adequately complied with those directions. Tribunal expresses displeasure over delays: During the hearing, the tribunal noted that replies had not been filed despite notices being issued to the authorities concerned. It also observed that adjournments had been sought over multiple hearing dates. The municipal corporation sought additional time to submit its compliance report, following which the tribunal directed all respondents to file their replies within two weeks. The NGT’s Central Zone Bench has scheduled the next hearing for December 15.