New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu cognizance regarding a news report on the unfortunate demise of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta, who lost his life when his vehicle plunged into a water-filled ditch in Noida’s Sector-150.

A bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr A. Senthil Vel has solicited responses from various authorities, including the Noida Authority, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Irrigation Department, Principal Secretary (Environment), and the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar.

In issuing notices to the relevant authorities, the tribunal has mandated that they submit their replies via affidavit at least one week prior to the upcoming hearing.

The case is scheduled for further review on April 10.

Reports indicate that the victim allegedly veered into the water-filled trench after making a sharp right-angle turn amidst foggy conditions. The land where the incident transpired was initially designated for a private mall project but has transformed into a pond due to the accumulation of rainwater and wastewater from adjacent housing societies.

The report also highlighted that, despite a stormwater management plan being drafted by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department in 2015, no actionable measures were taken. Documentation reviewed revealed that a proposal to construct a head regulator aimed at redirecting excess water to the Hindon River was never executed, resulting in significant waterlogging.

The lack of a controlled outlet has reportedly led to flooding in the basements of nearby housing societies and the stagnation of water.

“The news report raises critical concerns regarding adherence to environmental regulations and the execution of provisions outlined in scheduled legislation,” stated the NGT, noting that the situation prima facie suggests violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the incident is intensifying as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to examine the circumstances surrounding Yuvraj Mehta’s death.

This SIT was formed under the directive of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in light of serious negligence allegations, and has been instructed to present its findings to the state government within five days.

The Chief Minister has removed Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M. from his position and terminated a junior engineer's services. Police have also apprehended a builder-developer on charges of criminal negligence related to the incident.