India, Aug. 14 -- New Delhi

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) told the National Green Tribunal that no natural pond exists at Anand Puri in Karol Bagh, where residents have alleged illegal construction and encroachments by a school. Responding to a petition seeking the reopening of a 100-foot road and encroachment of a park and pond, the DDA said the 45-acre tract was acquired in 1964-65, with no pond recorded in official documents.

"The land in question was a part of a larger land measuring 45 acres which was acquired...in the year 1964-65 and was later transferred to the answering Respondent. Further, it is pertinent to mention that the above mentioned award does not mention any existence of pond on the land in question as alleged...