The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken the Haryana State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to task for its sluggishness in granting environmental clearance to a 225-acre licensed colony in Gurugram’s Sector 47. This criticism comes after the developer argued that environmental clearance wasn’t required when the colony was built decades ago.
The controversy began in July 2023 when the NGT directed SEIAA to determine whether an environmental clearance was necessary for the colony. This followed the developer’s contention that the regulations for such clearances weren’t in place during the colony’s construction. However, the NGT observed a lack of clarity and transparency in the investigation conducted by the committee formed by SEIAA.
The tribunal’s recent criticism reflects its growing concern over lax environmental oversight in real estate development projects. The NGT emphasizes the importance of environmental clearances, regardless of a project’s age. Such clearances ensure that construction adheres to ecological regulations and minimizes the impact on the surrounding environment.
The NGT’s intervention has put pressure on SEIAA to expedite its decision-making process. A swift and well-defined resolution is crucial to address the environmental concerns associated with the colony and establish a transparent system for future projects.
