NGT slaps Rs 10 crore fine on Gurgaon builders

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has slapped an interim penalty of rs 10 crore on three builders in Gurgaon for violation of environmental norms and damaging the environment. The green panel said that the Central Pollution Control Board will be entitled to charge interest at the rate of 12 per cent for any delay and to recover the amount from them by adopting appropriate coercive measures as per the law.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel noted that consent to establish and operate has not been obtained by the builders in Sushant Lok 2 and 3, as required under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The bench  imposed the environmental compensation on Ansal Buildwell Ltd, and its sister concern Aadharshila Towers Private Ltd and Rigoss Estate Networks Private Ltd, while directing them to deposit the amount with the Central Pollution Control Board within a month.

The green panel noted that the completion certificate has not been granted till date as green belt has not been developed as per norms. "Rain water harvesting system is not maintained. There is no ground water recharge as required. There is no effective solid waste management."

The NGT held that since neither environmental clearance nor consent to establish and operate has been taken under the Water Act, the builders will have to furnish performance guarantee of rs 5 crore to the satisfaction of the CPCB within a month, undertaking to comply with the statutory norms within three months.

The tribunal  said it was surprised that in spite of the report submitted about five months ago showing violation of law, no action has been taken.

The bench said: “Let the Haryana State Pollution Control Board now take appropriate preventive and remedial action, including prosecution, recovery of damages and compliance  of requirement of proper waste management, installation of rain water harvesting system, in accordance with the applicable statutory scheme.