Panipat: Joint panel to inspect flouting of green norms

Mukesh Tandon

Panipat, February 22

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a joint panel for inspecting the violation of environmental norms by two builders — Ansal Properties and Infrastructures and TDI Infratech — in Panipat and sought a factual report within six weeks.

A Delhi-based environmentalist, Varun Gulati, has raised the issue of violation of pollution norms by the private builders, who developed the projects here, before the NGT.

In his application filed to the NGT, the complainant said the builders had developed residential projects in Panipat. He further alleged that Ansal had not set up a sewerage treatment plant (STP) so far and the TDI had constructed merely a showpiece in the name of a STP, which was not functional.

The untreated sewage was being discharged in green belts or into Drain No. 2 by using tractor-tankers, which was detrimental to the environment as well as people’s health, Gulati alleged.

He further alleged that the builder companies discharged their untreated sewage in the green belt, open land or in Drain No.2 which opened directly into the Yamuna. He further alleged that the overflowing sewage gave out very foul smell. Both the builder companies didn’t obtain consent to operate (CTO) and environmental clearance from the department concerned.

Following the complaint, the NGT in its orders on Wednesday, constituted a joint committee comprising the Member Secretary, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Deputy Commissioner (DC), Panipat, and representative of the Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and directed that the DC, Panipat, would act as the coordinating agency.

The NGT directed that the committee would visit the site, ascertain the correct position on the spot and the extent of violation by both builders at the spot and also suggest remedial measures, the order reads.

The NGT also directed the factual report to be submitted before the tribunal within six weeks. Apart from this, the NGT served notices to the builders in the matter. The next hearing in the matter has been fixed for May 1.