NGT Orders Probe into GMADA's Law Breach in Housing Project

The National Green Tribunal criticized the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority for proceeding with a housing project without legal consents. It demanded an investigation into the authority's violations of environmental laws, including lack of required permissions and expired clearances.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) expressed astonishment at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority's (GMADA) decision to continue with its group housing project in Punjab without securing necessary legal consents. These consents, namely Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate, are legal requirements.

During a session regarding continued allegations against GMADA for bypassing environmental clearance conditions, specifically concerning Purab Premium Apartments, the NGT, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, highlighted several irregularities. These included the absence of a sewage treatment plant, lack of requisite approvals, and failure to renew its environmental clearance since February 2020.

The tribunal ordered GMADA's Chief Administrative Officer to identify those responsible for these significant legal breaches and to submit an action report within three months. The Punjab Pollution Control Board's previous assessment had led to an imposition of Rs 1.02 crore penalty for violations during August 2022-March 2023, yet the NGT advised a further review beyond these dates.