India, April 11 -- Despite a clear directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Lonavala Municipal Council (LMC) has failed to remove encroachments along the Indrayani River citing lack of police support as reason. Ironically, the same municipal council had to previously cough up a fine of Rs.21 lakh for inaction on the same issue.

According to LMC chief executive officer (CEO) Ashok Sable, the NGT had ordered removal of the encroachments in 2020 but the directive was ignored till such time a penalty had to be imposed. "We eventually had to pay a fine of Rs.21 lakh. I took action immediately after assuming charge," said Sable.

He added that even after removal of the encroachments, fresh encroachments resurfaced at the same loca...