Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to RIICO Limited, Bikaner, for allegedly violating environmental regulations in the Karni Industrial Area expansion project. The tribunal found that RIICO began construction activities, including the development of roads and buildings, between 2010 and 2013, without obtaining the mandatory environmental clearance, which was only approved in April 2017. Additionally, a food processing unit was reportedly allowed to start construction in January 2014, contravening a 2010 ministry circular. This action follows a complaint by a Bikaner entrepreneur, prompting the NGT to form a Joint Committee to investigate the violations.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to RIICO Limited, Bikaner, in connection with alleged violations related to the Karni Industrial Area expansion project. As per the NGT's order, under the Ministry of Environment, Government of India's notification no. SO 1533(E) dated September 14, 2006, it is compulsory for industrial parks, resorts, hotels, hospitals, societies, and other entities covering 50 hectares or more to obtain environmental clearance prior to beginning construction. Advertisement
The directive also forbids developers, builders, companies, or firms from starting any construction activities at the site without first obtaining clearance. This requirement was reinforced by a ministry circular issued on August 19, 2010. The order states that RIICO allegedly violated these regulations by initiating construction work, including the development of buildings, tube wells, powerhouses, and roads, at the Karni Industrial Area expansion project between 2010 and 2013, without the mandatory environmental clearance.
According to reports, the activities were carried out prior to obtaining environmental clearance, which was only granted on April 11, 2017. Furthermore, the company allegedly allowed a food processing unit to begin construction on January 28, 2014, in violation of the 2010 circular. RTI activist Rajendra Tiwari stated that the notice was issued following a complaint filed by a Bikaner based entrepreneur with the NGT, highlighting these violations. In response to the complaint, the tribunal instructed the formation of a Joint Committee, consisting of the district collector of Bikaner and the member secretary of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, to investigate the matter, according to an official.
The NGT's notice to RIICO Limited highlights the serious environmental concerns raised by the unauthorised construction activities at the Karni Industrial Area. With construction beginning before the required environmental clearance was granted, and the alleged violation of a 2010 ministry circular, the case underscores the importance of adhering to environmental laws to prevent adverse ecological impacts. The formation of a Joint Committee to investigate the matter reflects the tribunal's commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding environmental regulations. The outcome of this investigation may set a precedent for future enforcement of environmental compliance in industrial development projects.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
