The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a significant directive to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), mandating it to conduct regular monitoring of environmental norm violations by the Noida Authority. This order comes after the tribunal identified the Authority and the Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) as responsible for road damage that leads to severe dust pollution in the city.
NGT's Directives and Hearing Details
The principal bench of the NGT, comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Srivastava and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel, passed this order on Wednesday. The tribunal instructed the UPPCB to not only identify ongoing violations but also to impose appropriate penalties. A crucial part of the directive requires the pollution control board to submit a detailed report on the environmental compensation calculated for violations by the Noida Authority reported so far, as well as for any further violations occurring until the next hearing.
The next date of hearing in this case has been scheduled for March 13, 2026.
The Case and Specific Allegations
The case originates from an application filed by environmental activist Amit Gupta, who brought to light multiple instances where the Noida Authority and PVVNL flouted environmental norms. Gupta accused the authorities of non-compliance during various public works, including cable laying, pipe repairs, optical fibre installation, gas line work, and other construction activities across Noida.
Supporting his claims with photographs from various sectors, Gupta argued that road dust from these damaged and dug-up roads is a major contributor to the alarmingly high levels of PM10 particulate matter in the city's air. He presented a stark financial discrepancy, revealing that while the UPPCB had imposed environmental compensation of approximately Rs 28 crore on the Noida Authority between 2017 and 2025, only about Rs 1.06 crore has been recovered till date.
Pollution Hotspots and Legal Proceedings
During the proceedings, the counsel for the UPPCB admitted that the Noida Authority was found violating norms and has been penalized, acknowledging that the body needs to be sensitized. Gupta specifically highlighted the severe pollution in areas monitored by the Noida Sector 116 air monitoring station (AMS). This station covers sectors 74 to 79 (often called the 7X sectors), along with sectors 80, 81, 112, 115, 116, 117, and 120, identifying them as some of the most polluted areas in the entire country.
The NGT has also granted liberty to the applicant, Amit Gupta, to file a rejoinder if he wishes to do so, ensuring the continuation of judicial scrutiny over this critical environmental issue affecting Noida's residents.
