The green panel slammed NBCC and its officers for release of
pollutants into ambient air while carrying out construction work.
NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday
cracked the whip on state-run National Buildings Construction Corporation
(NBCC) for causing air pollution and environmental degradation while carrying
out redevelopment of East Kidwai Nagar in southwest Delhi.
The green panel slammed NBCC and its officers for
release of pollutants into ambient 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.
"It is evident that NBCC and its officers have
failed to take appropriate precautionary measures and steps, thus, violating
the 'Precautionary Principle'. Further, they have committed repeated violation
and defaults of the orders of the Tribunal, thus, rendering themselves liable
for payment of environmental compensation in terms of Section 15 and 16 of the
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 on the principle of 'Polluter Pays'.
"NBCC is held liable to pay environmental
compensation of Rs 10 lakhs for the persistent defaults and violations of the
rules and directions issued by the Tribunal," a bench headed by NGT
Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said while directing the company to deposit
the amount within two weeks.
The tribunal made it clear that the amount would be
paid to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee which shall use it for
restoration of environment in the adjoining areas.
"It is expected of such a company to maintain
higher standards of social corporate responsibility rather than be instrumental
in causing air pollution and health hazards
"NBCC is hereby warned that in the event of
any default in future, the Tribunal would be compelled to direct penal action
against the company and its officers responsible for its business in terms of
the provisions of the NGT Act, 2010, besides other actions in accordance with
law," the bench said.
The
directions came while hearing 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 and "illegally" erecting barricades on the roads.
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