MPCB serves notices on 12 builders for green norms violations

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has served show cause notices on 12 builders, including Indiabulls and the Rahejas, for violations of environmental norms.

Indiabulls, Nilkanth Tech Park, Suresh Estates Pvt Ltd, Prime Properties Ltd, Shreeniwas Cotton Mills, K Raheja, Capricorn Realty, Macro-Tech Constructions Pvt Ltd, Jawala Real Estate Pvt Ltd, Ramnani and Associates, Neelkamal Sumer Realtors and Real Gem Build Tech Pvt Ltd have been served notices on 23 November.

These were issued on the basis of complaints received by MPCB from retired IPS officer-turned-lawyer Y P Singh, according to an unnamed MPCB official quoted in a report in The Indian Express.

Singh had alleged in May and August, that these projects, mostly on mill land, which received additional development rights after the builders constructed public parking lots, did not have clearances under the Environment Impact Notification (2006).

Singh said the companies had failed to obtain the necessary environmental clearances required under the Environment Impact Assessment notifications issued by the Minsitry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).

The notification calls for prior environment clearance for any construction involving a built-up area in excess of 20,000-square metres. In the absence of the clearances even 'land preparation' cannot be undertaken.

The report quotes the officer as saying that following the complaint, the board had asked the companies to furnish detailed information about the plan as well as the sanctions granted for the projects. The official added that since, they failed to respond, we have issued showcause notices to them.''

The board has given the builders a 15-day period to respond to its notice. According to the official if the builder fail to respond, the board would initiate appropriate action.