NGT asks builder to pay Rs 15-Cr compensation

For violating environmental clearance rules, the National Green Tribunal asked a Noida-based builder Express Builders and Promoters to pay a compensation of Rs 15 crore on “Polluter Pays” principle for building G+19 storeys in five towers in its project Express Zenith in Sector-77 of Noida. In fact, the builder has permission to build only G+18-storey structures.

A petition was filed with the NGT challenging the violation. A Bench headed by NGT chairperson AK Goel breathed fire on the builder and felt that it is not proper to violate the EC rules as it would put additional burden on environment. The NGT felt that demolition would affect the interests of the third party rights as the building already sold the flats. In this backdrop, the Bench asked the builder to pay the compensation. The amount of Rs 15 crore should be paid to the district magistrate within a month. The NGT suggested using the amount for implementing the district environmental plan.