Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has successfully petitioned the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against alleged violations of anti-pollution measures at a government construction site in central Delhi, prompting immediate judicial intervention.
NGT Takes Swift Action on Pollution Complaint
The NGT's principal bench, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, issued crucial directions on Friday following Moitra's plea for urgent relief. The tribunal has ordered both the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to conduct an immediate spot inspection at Kasturba Gandhi Marg.
The environmental watchdog directed the authorities to verify the alleged violations and take appropriate action against the offenders. This development comes after Moitra, whose official residence is located at 15, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane on KG Marg, complained about continuous construction activities despite GRAP-3 restrictions.
Flagrant Violations of Pollution Control Measures
According to the petition, the Ministry of External Affairs' housing project, being executed under the title 'MEA projects' at Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane, has been carrying out construction work in complete disregard of the Graded Response Action Plan's Stage-3 order dated November 11.
GRAP-3 measures, implemented when Delhi's air quality deteriorates to the 'severe' category, impose a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities. The restrictions specifically prohibit:
- Dust-generating construction and demolition work
- Earthworks and demolition activities
- Operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light vehicles
- Physical classes for students up to Class V
The MP alleged that the massive multi-storeyed housing project construction has been ongoing almost 24×7, including after 10 PM, in violation of multiple environmental regulations.
Multiple Authorities Failed to Act
Moitra revealed in her petition that she had approached various authorities since September 2025 seeking intervention, but received no concrete action. The complaints were filed with:
- The Station House Officer (SHO) of Barakhamba Road
- Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)
- CPCB's air pollution portal
Despite these multiple attempts to draw official attention to the violations, the statutory authorities failed to respond adequately, compelling the parliamentarian to approach the NGT as a last resort.
Environmental Impact and Legal Demands
The construction activities have reportedly caused severe environmental damage in the residential area, including:
- Substantial increase in air pollution levels
- Excessive noise pollution disrupting residents
- Uncontrolled dust emissions
- Accumulation of uncovered construction and demolition waste
In her plea, Moitra sought several relief measures from the tribunal, including:
- Immediate stay on the construction activities during GRAP-3 restrictions
- Imposition of environmental compensation on M/s Globe Civil project and NBCC
- Action for violating multiple GRAP orders dated October 14, October 19, and November 11
- Enforcement of Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016
The government-owned National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) is overseeing the redevelopment of the MEA Housing at KG Marg, which includes various types of quarters. The project has come under scrutiny for allegedly flouting environmental norms during a period when Delhi's air quality has become hazardous for residents.
The CAQM had implemented GRAP-3 restrictions on Tuesday after Delhi's air quality index entered the 'severe' category, making breathing conditions dangerous for the city's inhabitants. The tribunal's intervention marks a significant development in enforcing pollution control measures during the critical winter pollution season.
