NGT directs action on plea alleging unauthorised groundwater extraction by builders in Noida region
New Delhi, June 9
The National Green Tribunal has directed the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department to examine allegations of illegal groundwater extraction by private builders, industries, and other entities in Noida and Greater Noida, and take remedial and punitive action if violations are found.
A Bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad passed the order while disposing of an application filed by environmental conservationist Vikrant Tongad through advocate Akash Vashishtha.
The plea raised concerns regarding the alleged unauthorised extraction of groundwater at various locations in Noida and Greater Noida, including projects associated with Microsoft in Sector 145, ACE 153 in Sector 153, Migsun Builder in Techzone-II, Greater Noida, as well as other construction sites in Sectors 94, 150 and parts of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region.
The application alleged that private builders, industries and individuals were extracting groundwater illegally, particularly in Sectors 145 and 153 of Noida and Sectors 94 and 150 and the Tech Zone areas of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar district.
In its order, the NGT recorded that none of the alleged violators in the application had been impleaded as parties in the proceedings.
"None of the above violators has been impleaded in the present OA; that apart, at the first instance, the applicant is required to make an appropriate complaint to the competent authority i.e. Respondent No. 7 - Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department," the tribunal said in its order.
It granted liberty to the applicant to file a detailed complaint along with supporting material before the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department.
Directing the authority to act on the complaint, the NGT said that upon receipt of the representation, the department should examine the allegations in accordance with the law and carry out ground verification.
"On receipt of the same, it will duly consider the complaint of the applicant in accordance with law, will get the ground verification done, and if any tube wells/bore wells are found to be illegally operating, will take appropriate remedial and punitive action in accordance with law by duly following the principles of natural justice," the order said.
The NGT further directed that the entire exercise be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within three months from the date of receipt of the complaint.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I live in Sector 150 and we have borewells going 200+ feet deep now. The irony is that while builders are extracting illegally, residents in many apartments face water shortages every summer. The real estate lobby is too powerful. Let's see if the UP department actually acts in 3 months or gives another excuse.
As someone who works in environmental consulting, I can tell you that groundwater depletion in Noida-Greater Noida is a crisis in the making. The NGT order is a step in the right direction, but enforcement is key. India needs stricter regulations on groundwater extraction, especially for commercial projects. Good to see the tribunal taking this seriously.
What about Yamuna Expressway areas? They are building so many townships there without any water management plan. The NGT should expand its scope. Also, why was Microsoft named? They usually follow compliance. Let the investigation happen but don't jump to conclusions. We need data, not just allegations.
The real problem is the lack of accountability. Builders get away because of political connections. I appreciate Vikrant Tongad for filing this plea. We need more such environmental conservationists. Hope the NGT keeps pressure on the UP government. Otherwise, our children will inherit a desert. 🌊🚱
Good that they're doing ground verification. But 3 months is too long for illegal activity that's already happening. Why not conduct surprise inspections? The builders will get notice and hide evidence. Need faster action. Also, what about rainwater harvesting compliance? That's equally important for Noida's water future.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.