NGT issues notice on Gurugram society's plea against installation of 24 high-capacity DG sets near residential area
New Delhi, December 3
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench in New Delhi has issued notices to the State of Haryana and other authorities on a plea filed by the National Media Centre Co-operative House Building Society Ltd., Gurugram.
The society has objected to the construction, relocation and proposed installation of 24 high-capacity diesel generator (DG) sets, with a total capacity of 67,500 KVA, along with a cooling tower in the immediate vicinity of their residential complex.
The matter was heard by a Bench consisting of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member.
During the hearing, the applicants submitted that these DG sets and the cooling tower are being installed adjacent to the Moulsari Avenue Rapid Metro Station and very close to a pre-primary school, a day-care centre and a community facility within their society.
Senior Advocate Sanjay Upadhyay, appearing for the society, argued that the installations violate specific conditions of the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted in 2019 as well as those incorporated in the expanded EC for the project.
He pointed out that both the original and expanded ECs require the project proponent to decide the location of DG sets only after consultation with the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). However, according to an RTI reply dated July 24, 2025, no such approval or location specification was given by the HSPCB, indicating that the requirement was ignored.
The applicants further contended that the DG sets are being placed in Part B of the land parcel, which does not fall within the 36.36 acres for which the EC was originally granted.
They relied on project maps submitted in the record to show that the proposed DG set location lies outside the approved EC area. Another alleged violation pointed out before the Tribunal relates to EC Condition No. 18, which prohibits any construction beneath the 220 KV high-tension line passing through the project site.
The applicants argued that the project proponent is raising construction in direct contravention of this restriction.
After hearing the submissions, the Tribunal noted that the application raises substantial issues concerning compliance with environmental norms.
It therefore issued notice to all respondents, directing them to file their replies in the form of affidavits at least one week prior to the next date of hearing. The applicant society has also been directed to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service within the same timeframe. The matter has been posted for further consideration on January 9, 2026.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Typical Gurugram story! Build first, get permissions later (or never). The RTI reply proves they didn't even consult the Pollution Control Board. How can such massive projects bypass all rules? Kudos to the society for taking legal action. We need more resident welfare associations to stand up like this.
While I support development, it cannot come at the cost of violating clear environmental conditions. Construction under a high-tension line? That's a safety hazard waiting to happen. The NGT should impose heavy penalties to set an example. Hope justice is served by Jan 2026.
As an expat living in Gurgaon, the air quality is already a major concern. Adding 24 diesel generators will make it worse for everyone in the vicinity. It's good to see the legal system being used to hold project proponents accountable. Public health should be non-negotiable.
The details are shocking. The DG sets are planned for an area not even covered by the original environmental clearance! This is a blatant disregard for the law. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board needs to explain its inaction. Residents pay high maintenance and taxes for basic amenities, not for pollution.
A respectful criticism: While the society's fight is justified, we also need to ask why our power infrastructure is so unreliable that projects need 24 backup generators. Can't we invest in better grid stability or mandate solar hybrid systems? Solving the root cause is as important as fighting individual violations.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.