National Green Tribunal Takes Strong Action Against Noida Authority's Environmental Violations
The National Green Tribunal has expressed severe disapproval of the Noida Authority's ongoing disregard for environmental regulations and dust pollution control measures. During a hearing on Friday, the tribunal's principal bench addressed the authority's failure to comply with norms and its refusal to pay the environmental compensation imposed by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
UPPCB Directed to Calculate Fines for Swift Action
While hearing an original application filed by environmental activist Amit Gupta, the NGT instructed the UPPCB to submit detailed calculations of the imposed fines within two weeks. This directive aims to facilitate immediate legal action against the defaulting parties. Despite previous warnings from the tribunal on December 24 regarding the authority's failure to respond, the Noida Authority once again requested an additional four weeks to file its reply.
Extensive Documentation of Violations Presented
In response to the tribunal's orders, UPPCB Regional Officer Ritesh Kumar Tewari presented comprehensive inspection reports from the Noida region. The documentation included recommendations for environmental compensation based on the polluter pays principle. This environmental policy mandates that those responsible for pollution bear the full costs of management, prevention, and remediation of environmental damage.
The UPPCB report identified at least 55 specific instances where environmental compensation should be levied. Additionally, the board submitted a list of 12 sites across various Noida sectors where regional office inspections were conducted twice between January 14 and March 6. Despite these inspections, no corrective measures were implemented at any of these locations.
Substantial Financial Penalties Recommended
The pollution control board has recommended imposing environmental compensation of Rs 10.1 lakhs on projects under the Noida Authority's jurisdiction. Petitioner Amit Gupta emphasized that despite multiple NGT orders, the authority continues to violate environmental standards flagrantly. He specifically highlighted ongoing road excavation work for cable, pipe, and gas line installations that remain unrepaired, causing continuous dust pollution throughout the city.
"To date, neither the Noida Authority, PVVNL, nor the district administration has submitted any formal response," Gupta stated. "Despite repeated UPPCB inspections and the imposition of environmental compensation, the fines remain largely uncollected."
Massive Outstanding Fines Revealed
Gupta further revealed that the Noida Authority is responsible for the majority of documented violations. Although environmental compensation totaling Rs 27 crore has been officially imposed, only approximately Rs 1 crore has been recovered so far. This represents less than 4% of the total fines owed, indicating systemic non-compliance with environmental regulations and tribunal directives.
The environmental activist's allegations point to a pattern of neglect where infrastructure projects proceed without proper environmental safeguards, and penalties for violations go largely unenforced. The tribunal's intervention seeks to establish accountability and ensure that environmental protection measures are implemented effectively in the rapidly developing Noida region.
