Noida: The National Green Tribunal took strong exception to the Noida Authority’s continued violation of environmental and dust pollution norms, as well as its failure to pay the environmental compensation (EC) imposed by the UP Pollution Control Board.The principal bench, while hearing the original application moved by environmentalist Amit Gupta on Friday, asked UPPCB to submit a calculation of the imposed fine within two weeks, enabling action against the defaultersDespite the tribunal expressing its displeasure earlier on Dec 24 over the Authority’s failure to file a reply in the matter, the Authority once again sought an additional time of four weeks to submit a response.Responding to tribunal’s direction, UPPCB’s regional officer Ritesh Kumar Tewari furnished details of inspections conducted in the Noida region, along with its recommendation for EC based on the polluter pays principle.The polluter pays principle is an environmental policy concept where those who cause pollution bear the costs of managing, preventing, and remediating the resulting damage. The report mentions at least 55 instances of violation for which EC is to be charged.The board also submitted a list of 12 sites in different Noida sectors where the regional office conducted inspections twice between Jan 14 and March 6, but no remedial measures were taken. The board recommended levying an EC of Rs 10.1 lakhs on these projects under the Authority.Petitioner Amit Gupta alleged that despite NGT orders, the Authority continues to flout environmental norms. He said that ongoing road excavation for cable, pipe, and gas line work leaves roads unrepaired, causing persistent dust pollution.”Till date, the Noida Authority, PVVNL, and the district administration did not submit any reply and, despite repeat inspections conducted by UPPCB and imposition of EC, the fine is yet to be recovered,” he said.Gupta highlighted that the Authority is responsible for a majority of the violations, and although an EC of Rs 27 crore was imposed, only Rs 1 crore has been recovered so far.
