The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive prohibiting construction projects in Noida and Greater Noida that lack requisite sanctions, including environmental clearances. The order came while the tribunal was hearing a plea about the alleged unauthorised construction of houses, shops, and other commercial and residential complexes in these areas in violation of environmental norms. The plea further alleged that certain realtors were engaging in illegal practices such as extracting topsoil without authorisation and operating unlicensed borewells.
Taking a strict stance, the NGT emphasised the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and directed authorities to ensure compliance before permitting construction activities. In an order dated December 9, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said authorities concerned have filed their replies which reveal that some of the project proponents (realtors) are continuing with the construction without obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO) and Environmental Clearance (EC).
"Since it has been submitted that large-scale illegal construction without following environmental norms is in progress, therefore, we direct that till the next date of hearing, concerned authorities of the state and pollution control board will ensure that a project requiring EC/CTE/CTO but not heaving these clearances are not permitted to proceed with the construction illegally till it complies with all the requisite environmental norms and clearances," said the bench also comprising judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel.
Prohibition on illegal plotting in floodplain zones
The tribunal also directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to prevent illegal plotting in the area falling in the floodplain zones. During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel, Akash Vashishtha argued that a large part of Greater Noida had illegal townships, villas and apartments. "We have placed extensive material on record to demonstrate how huge constructions are coming up every day. Photographs show how electricity poles are being erected in illegal colonies and borewells are being dug without the mandatory no objection certificates (NOCs)," he said.
The petition filed by BJP leader and former Municipal Corporator Rajendra Tyagi lists 56 villages of Greater Noida and 18 villages in Noida having unauthorised colonies and townships. It alleges that over 20,000 hectares of fertile arable farmlands in Greater Noida have been usurped while more than 20,000 hectares of land in Noida is being used for illegal plotting.
(With inputs from PTI)
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