Builders' wait for NGT nod to resume work near Yamuna floodplains gets longer

AGRA: After the National Green Tribunal allowed builders of two residential projects named in a Yamuna floodplain-related case to resume construction, other builders who have been given a clean chit by the court- appointed expert committee were expecting a similar relief by the tribunal on Tuesday. However, they will now have to wait till July 7 when the case comes up for hearing again.

The NGT-appointed expert committee tasked with carrying out fresh demarcation of the Yamuna floodplain zone had earlier given a clean chit to 14 construction projects near the river, stating that they were out of the river's floodplain purview. Of these, relief was granted to Aparna River View Apartment and Taj View Apartment projects.

Petitioners' lawyer Rahul Chaudhary said, "The case has now been slotted for hearing on July 7. Two building projects near Yamuna were found to be away from the floodplain zones and given relief. However, they have been asked to construct sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems and ensure proper disposal of solid waste. Moreover, they will have to seek the tribunal's permission, if they plan to expand the project. They will be issued completion certificate only after they fulfill the conditions."

During a hearing on May 17, the NGT had directed the builders who were given a clean chit by the expert committee studying the Yamuna floodplains to give details about the environmental clearance they obtained for the projects built near the river. They were also asked to provide information about STPs and garbage disposal system besides furnishing the status of green belts on the building premises.

The real estate developers in the city are seeking fresh nod from the NGT as the tribunal on June 8, 2015 had banned sale and purchase of flats built close to the Yamuna. It had also ordered that no new construction work be carried out in these properties till further orders. Moreover, the tribunal had issued notices to builders and sought their response on alleged construction of multi-storeyed buildings on Yamuna floodplains.