[APRIL FREE REPORT]

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has imposed a fine of Rs 100 crore on real estate conglomerate Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Limited for violating several green norms at a residential project in Gurugram, Haryana. The imposition of fine as high as Rs 100 crore sends a strong message that securing environmental compliances is crucial and will act as a deterrent to other developers. 

The company is to pay additional environmental compensation to the Central Groundwater Authority for illegal extraction of groundwater and a defunct rainwater harvesting system at Sushant Lok Phase-1 Gurugram. NGT (National Green Tribunal) had imposed the fine on the conglomerate and CPCB is enforcing the order

According to the report of a panel set up by NGT, the firm had not obtained environmental clearance for the project spread across more than 600 acres as required under the Environment Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. It also had not obtained the consent to establish and the consent to operate in violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Air(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

The report also noted that the project proponent had applied for the registration of 39 tube wells with the Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA), but did not obtain an NOC (Non-Objection Certificate) for the extraction of groundwater. The developer did not provide a proper rainwater harvesting system for houses and the structures for open spaces and common areas were defunct. The panel also noted there is no effective solid waste management system in place while roads, footpaths and parks are also not being maintained properly.

Earlier, in February 2019, Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Limited was already imposed a fine of Rs 12.18 crore by the Central Pollution Control Board for discharge of untreated sewage, but the builder had denied to follow the directions, questioning the 'authority and power' of the pollution control body instead.

The letter from CPCB Chairman Tanmay Kumar, dated 7th June and sent by email/speed post had directed the real estate conglomerate to pay an environment compensation of Rs 100 crore to the CPCB on or within 15 days of receiving the directive. It also asked the realty firm to submit its action plan to the CPCB regarding rectification of the shortcomings highlighted above. An action taken report is to be submitted along with necessary documentary evidence immediately after completion of the action taken.

It will be interesting to see how the the future events unfold and how Ansal Infra will deal with the matter.

References:-

1. Ramnani, V. (2022, June 21). Ansal Properties and Infrastructure fined Rs 100 crore for ‘violation of green norms’. Moneycontrol. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/real-estate/ansal-properties-and-infrastructure-fined-rs-100-crore-for-violation-of-green-norms-8718741.html/amp

2. P. (2022, June 21). Developer fined Rs 100 crore for violating environmental laws in Gurugram residential project. The Economic Times. https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.economictimes.com/industry/services/property-/-cstruction/developer-fined-rs-100-crore-for-violating-environmental-laws-in-gurugram-residential-project/amp_articleshow/92369145.cms