CPCB told to take action against firm for flouting green norms

Determine environmental compensation to be levied: NGT

Following a plea alleging illegal groundwater extraction, encroachment in parks and construction in green areas in Haryana, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to take action and determine the environmental compensation to be levied.

Taking note of a report submitted by a committee constituted by the green court, a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said, “The factual conclusion shows violation of environmental norms by Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd. The project has been constructed without taking consent to operate under [relevant Acts] and without requisite environmental clearance.”

The report submitted by the committee had said the project was in violation to rules pertaining to construction and demolition waste management, and did not have “consent to establish and operate”.

Noting that the project proponent did not have a no-objection certificate from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and no provision for rainwater harvesting systems, the Bench directed the CPCB to determine the amount of environmental compensation to be levied.

“Sewage is meeting the storm water drain and maintenance is not up to the mark. We direct [the] CPCB to exercise its statutory power to determine and recover the damages, and issue appropriate further directions for closure of the project and initiating prosecution in accordance with [relevant Acts],” the Bench added.

Authorities slammed

Coming down heavily on State government authorities, the green panel added, “It is clear that despite serious violations, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board has failed to perform its duties in taking statutorily mandated coercive measures. The Town and Country Planning Department appears to have colluded.”

The CPCB has been directed to submit a report before the tribunal within three months.