Noida Authority holds meeting with 40 builders in attempt to curb pollution in city

NOIDA: Following a rap from the Bhure Lal, Chairman of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), for failure to restrain builders from flouting National Green Tribunal's guidelines regarding construction last week, Noida Authority swung into action. It held a meeting with about 40 builders with ongoing projects in Noida on Wednesday, November 1. On their agenda was to warn developers of dire consequences if they fail to adhere to green norms during construction activity, which is leading to an alarming rise in environment pollution in the city.

According to officials, Project Engineers of the city have been directed to constitute inspection teams and submit a report within two days. Strict action is on the cards for truant realtors violating NGT guidelines in violation of environmental norms. All of Noida's work circles covering the city's various land pockets will be checked for violations. "All the project engineers heading the ten work circles in Noida have been asked to conduct inspections of their respective areas," said R.K Mishra, additional CEO (ACEO), Noida Authority. "They will inspect the construction sites and report if any builder or developer is not following the laid down norms to prevent dust pollution. We will then issue notices and levy hefty fines," he said.

"Every builder has to strictly comply with the MoEF 2010 guidelines on raising construction. There will be no leniency," Mishra said. "To control dust pollution, as per ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) guidelines released in 2010, it is mandatory for construction sites to put sheets on construction material, sprinkle water on dust and not ferry construction material in open vehicles to contain air pollution," he added. "Anyone found to be flouting norms will be fined heavily, whichd could be anything from Rs 5000 to Rs 50,000," he warned.