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Key Points

The National Green Tribunal has strongly criticized NOIDA and GNIDA for rampant illegal constructions without environmental clearances. A petition by BJP leader Rajendra Tyagi exposed massive unauthorized residential and commercial developments across the region. The green tribunal demanded comprehensive documentation and action against environmental norm violators. The case highlights significant regulatory gaps in urban infrastructure development.

Key Points: NGT Slams NOIDA GNIDA Over Massive Illegal Construction Drive

  • NGT pulls up development authorities for widespread environmental norm violations
  • BJP leader Rajendra Tyagi files original application exposing construction irregularities
  • Tribunal demands detailed affidavits from NOIDA and GNIDA
  • UPPCB granted three weeks for extensive environmental inspections
2 min read

NGT pulls up NOIDA, GNIDA over illegal constructions

Green Tribunal exposes rampant environmental violations in Noida and Greater Noida, demanding comprehensive action against unauthorized developments.

"NOIDA has failed to give a clear picture of such illegal constructions - NGT Bench"

New Delhi, July 31

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had raised questions over the response of the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) regarding widespread illegal constructions in Noida and Greater Noida, reportedly carried out in violation of environmental norms.

A bench, comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert members Dr A. Senthil Vel and Dr Afroz Ahmad, was hearing an original application filed by BJP leader and former municipal corporator Rajendra Tyagi, alleging that large-scale residential and commercial construction activities are underway without the necessary environmental clearances (EC), valid consent to establish (CTE), and consent to operate (CTO).

The plea, filed through advocate Akash Vashishtha, also raised concerns over illegal borewells and the absence of proper sewerage systems in several areas.

During the hearing, the green tribunal took strong note of NOIDA's affidavit filed on March 26, which "vaguely" claimed that action had been taken against violators but "details of the persons, projects, properties and places against whom action has been taken have not been disclosed".

Furthermore, the Justice Shrivastava-led Bench pulled up NOIDA for submitting outdated photographic evidence -- some dating back to November 2022 -- prior to the filing of the application.

"Thus, we find that NOIDA has failed to give a clear picture of such illegal constructions being done in violation of the environmental norms and action taken against them," the NGT order said.

Following the green tribunal's rebuke, counsels for the NOIDA, the GNIDA, the District Magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, and the District Ground Water Management Council sought additional time to file detailed affidavits outlining the actions taken against illegal constructions.

The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) also requested three weeks to conduct extensive inspections and report on projects flouting environmental norms.

Referring to geo-tagged photographs submitted during the hearing, the NGT prima facie opined that the images substantiated claims of ongoing constructions without required clearances.

Granting time to all respondent authorities concerned, the green tribunal directed them to file detailed affidavits with concrete particulars and supporting documents.

The matter is listed next for hearing on October 8.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so frustrating! We bought a flat in Greater Noida West last year and now we're worried if our building has proper clearances. Authorities should publish list of approved projects so buyers can check before investing life savings.
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Aman W
Typical government response - outdated photos and vague reports. If NGT wasn't monitoring, NOIDA/GNIDA would never act. Corruption is deep in real estate sector. Need stricter laws and actual implementation!
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Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Noida, the water situation is alarming. Illegal borewells are draining groundwater while builders keep constructing more towers. Where will the water come from? Authorities need long-term planning.
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Karthik V
While I support NGT's action, they should also check why environmental clearances take so long to process. Many builders say they're forced to start construction because approvals take years. System needs reform from both sides.
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Neha E
Our society in Sector 137 doesn't have proper sewage system even after 5 years! Builder promised everything but delivered nothing. Now we pay tankers to remove waste every week. When will authorities take responsibility? 😡
V
Vikram M
Good step by NGT but why only target NOIDA/GNIDA? Whole NCR has same

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