NGT cracks down on Noida building projects, says 'no construction without clearance' | Details

The National Green Tribunal has issued a directive prohibiting construction projects in Noida and Greater Noida that lack requisite sanctions, including environmental clearances. In an order dated December 9, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said authorities concerned have filed their replies which reveal that some of the project proponents are continuing with the construction without obtaining Consent to Establish, Consent to Operate and Environmental Clearance. "Since it has been submitted that large-scale illegal construction without following environmental norms is in progress, therefore, we direct that till the next date of hearing, concerned authorities of the state and pollution control board will ensure that a project requiring EC/CTE/CTO but not heaving these clearances are not permitted to proceed with the construction illegally till it complies with all the requisite environmental norms and clearances," said the bench also comprising judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel. Prohibition on illegal plotting in floodplain zones The tribunal also directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to prevent illegal plotting in the area falling in the floodplain zones.