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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed that construction projects in Greater Noida and Noida lacking the necessary environmental clearances should be halted. The decision follows a plea that highlighted the alleged illegal construction of residential and commercial complexes in the area, which violates environmental regulations. The petition further accused some developers of extracting topsoil and operating illegal borewells. The NGT's order mandates that projects lacking the required Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO), and Environmental Clearance (EC) cannot proceed. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board was instructed to prevent illegal plotting, especially in floodplain zones.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ruled that construction activities in Greater Noida and Noida, which lack the necessary environmental clearances, must cease. This decision follows a petition regarding the alleged illegal and unauthorised construction of houses, shops, and other commercial and residential buildings in these areas, which breach environmental regulations. The petition further accused certain developers of unlawfully extracting topsoil and running unauthorised borewells. Advertisement
In an order issued earlier this week, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava stated that the concerned authorities had submitted responses showing that some developers were continuing construction despite not obtaining the required Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO), and Environmental Clearance (EC). He added that due to the ongoing illegal construction, the tribunal directed that no project without these essential clearances should be allowed to proceed until it complies with the environmental norms.
The tribunal, which also included Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, further instructed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to stop illegal plotting in areas within floodplain zones. During the proceedings, Akash Vashishtha, the petitioner's counsel, argued that a significant portion of Greater Noida was being developed with unauthorised townships, villas, and apartments. He presented extensive evidence, including photographs showing illegal colonies where electricity poles were being erected and borewells dug without the required no-objection certificates (NOCs).
The petition, filed by BJP leader and former Municipal Corporator Rajendra Tyagi, identified 56 villages in Greater Noida and 18 villages in Noida where unauthorised colonies and townships have been established. It claims that over 20,000 hectares of fertile farmland in Greater Noida and more than 20,000 hectares in Noida are being used for illegal plotting.
The National Green Tribunal's ruling underscores the importance of adhering to environmental laws in construction activities. The halt on projects lacking the necessary clearances aims to prevent further damage to the environment, particularly in Greater Noida and Noida. With the illegal extraction of topsoil and unauthorised borewells being identified, the tribunal's decision is a step towards ensuring that all developments comply with environmental regulations. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board's role in halting illegal plotting in floodplain areas is another key aspect of enforcing environmental safeguards.
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