Supreme Court stays Mathura road and railway projects over afforestation delays

The Supreme Court on Monday issued stay orders on several projects in Mathura, citing delays in compensatory afforestation. The projects affected include the Govardhan Parikrama Marg road expansion, for which the court has requested a compliance report by November 13.
The court stopped work on the Mathura-Deeng Gobardhan road widening and the laying of a third railway line between Mathura and Jhansi. The bench, comprising Justices AS Oka and AG Masih, called for reports from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Railways on the number of trees planted and the reasons for the delay.
Several agencies, including the PWD, Railways, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), were questioned by the court for failing to meet afforestation requirements.
Despite legal mandates to plant trees alongside those felled for development, none of the authorities could show compliance, even for projects approved before 2022.
The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) authority was also slammed for allowing industrial expansion in violation of court orders. Sixty industrial units have been issued notices, and the court warned of potential shutdowns and fines.
“We also make it clear that until further orders, the TTZ Authority shall not permit new or expanded industries without this court’s approval,” the bench stated.
The NHAI was given three weeks to file its compliance report. The Railways have also been directed to submit reports on ongoing projects, including the Mathura-Palwal and Mathura-Jhansi railway lines.
The next court hearing is scheduled to be held on November 18.