NGT Criticizes GMADA for Ignoring Environmental Clearances in Housing Project

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has criticized the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) for proceeding with a group housing project without obtaining mandatory environmental clearances. The tribunal found it "strange and surprising" that GMADA, a statutory authority, had moved forward with the project without securing Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate, both required by law. 

The case involves alleged violations of environmental clearance (EC) conditions in GMADA’s Purab Premium Apartments project in Mohali. A bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel, noted that an earlier panel report had identified multiple violations.

These included the absence of a sewage treatment plant (STP), failure to obtain necessary consents, and non-renewal of the EC, which expired in February 2020.  

The tribunal emphasized that GMADA must adhere to the law and cannot consider itself above legal provisions. It instructed the authority’s Chief Administrative Officer to investigate which officials were responsible for these violations and take appropriate action within three months. A report on the actions taken must then be submitted to the tribunal. 

Additionally, the NGT acknowledged a report from the Punjab Pollution Control Board, which stated that GMADA had been fined Rs. 1.02 crore for environmental violations committed between August 2022 and March 2023. The penalty has already been paid. 

The tribunal’s directive underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in development projects, holding public authorities accountable for environmental law violations.