Ghaziabad, Sep 2 (IANS): The National Green Tribunal Monday issued warrants against a union urban development ministry official for failing to appear over a plea filed by a Ghaziabad-based activist against concrete pavements.

The tribunal, while hearing the petition filed by Akash Vashishtha, an environment conservationist, issued bailable warrants against the "competent officer" who failed to appear before the court Monday, on notices issued by it Aug 5.

The tribunal has directed the execution of the warrants by Sep 27.

The green court also restrained the government authorities and agencies in Ghaziabad from violating the guidelines issued by the state chief secretary in April 2001 on restrictions on concretising construction in green areas.

The petition pointed out the use of concrete on pavements and in open spaces posed threa to trees and prevented ground water recharge.

It also states that "mindlesss concretisation in cities and towns was raising the local temperatures significantly".

Counsel for petitioner Pushpinder Sodhi said: "The ministry has guidelines for greening of open spaces for Delhi only, whereas these need to be extended to all parts of the country. We would seek directions from the Hon'ble court on this matter."