Within the span of 15 days, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has mandated that 38 builders pay a fine of Rs 76.5 Cr. for their unlawful extraction of groundwater through bore wells. The builders are required to deposit the specified amount within the given timeframe.

According to official statements, the Gaur City 2 project has been issued the highest penalty of Rs 6.6 crore by the board, while the Gaur City 1 project faces a fine of Rs 4 crore. In a similar vein, the Galaxy Blue Sapphire and Ace Divino projects have been imposed fines of Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3.3 crore respectively. Furthermore, Anjara Homes, Apex Golf Avenue, and Anjara Lee Garden have been levied fines of Rs 1.6 crore, Rs 1.1 crore, and Rs 1 crore respectively.

In response to a petition filed by two environmentalists, alleging the illegal extraction of groundwater by 63 residential projects in Greater Noida West, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took action in July 2022. The NGT formed a district-level joint committee, consisting of the District Magistrate and officials from the State and Central Pollution Control Boards. The purpose of this committee was to investigate the matter and address the issue of unauthorized groundwater extraction in the region.

The district-level joint committee conducted a thorough screening process of all the projects in two phases. As a result, borewells were identified in 41 projects. Among these, three projects possessed the necessary permissions for groundwater usage, while the remaining 38 projects were found to be extracting groundwater illegally, without proper authorization.

Following the lack of response from the 38 builders to the notices sent by the UPPCB, the board has taken further action. This month, the UPPCB has issued fresh notices to the builders, demanding them to pay a fine of Rs Cr. within a 15-day period as environmental compensation. The board has escalated its measures to ensure compliance and appropriate penalties for the illegal groundwater extraction activities conducted by the builders.

According to UPPCB Regional Officer Radhe Shyam, the notices regarding the imposed fines have already been sent to the builders. The builders are required to pay the specified fine amount within 15 days of receiving the notices. This strict timeline has been established to ensure prompt compliance and payment of the fines by the builders involved in the illegal groundwater extraction activities.

During a hearing on May 15 in the case, the UPPCB submitted an action taken report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), informing the tribunal about the fines imposed on the builders. This report served as a notification to the NGT regarding the actions taken by the UPPCB in response to the illegal groundwater extraction. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July, where further developments and proceedings will take place.

In addition to the fines imposed on the builders, the UPPCB has taken further action by initiating proceedings under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Show cause notices have been issued to 29 projects, addressing the builders involved in these projects. This step indicates the UPPCB's intent to enforce legal measures and investigate the violations of water pollution prevention regulations. The show cause notices serve as a formal communication to the builders, giving them an opportunity to present their case and provide a response to the charges brought against them

Read More:  Noida Authority approves almost 1,100 flats but holds them up