NGT orders probe into high-profile South Delhi redevelopment project

The National Green Tribunal has directed a surprise inspection at the redevelopment project being carried out by state-run National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) at East Kidwai Nagar in southwest Delhi.

A bench headed by NGT chief Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and a representative of the Ministry of Environment and Forests to conduct a joint inspection at the site and submit a report.

It also asked the team to apprise it whether NBCC has planted trees and created permanent barriers around its redevelopment project or not.

“We direct CPCB, DPCC and a representative of the Ministry of Environment and Forests to conduct a surprise inspection at the project of NBCC and report to the tribunal as to whether the directions contained in our order dated July 26, 2016 have been complied with in its entirety and are being effectively enforced at the site in question.

“As far as environmental compensation of Rs 10 lakhs is concerned, the same has become final by the Supreme Court and as already stated by NBCC that it has been paid. The report to be submitted by the joint inspection team shall be listed as a separate original application by the registry,” the bench said.

The directions came during hearing of a plea by south Delhi resident K S Gahunia who has alleged that NBCC, the project proponent, in the garb of redevelopment is destroying roads, “illegally” erecting barricades on the roads and causing air pollution.

NGT had earlier cracked the whip on NBCC for causing air pollution and environmental degradation while slapping an environment compensation of Rs 10 lakh on it.

The green panel had slammed NBCC and its officers for release of pollutants into the air while carrying out construction work and causing “nuisance” on the roads in the sensitive area where two biggest hospitals—All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Safdarjung hospital—are located.