Pollution board slaps ₹5 lakh fine on builder over emission norm violations

Noida: A private builder in Greater Noida was slapped a penalty of ₹5 lakh on Tuesday by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB).

Noida: A private builder in Greater Noida was slapped a penalty of ₹5 lakh on Tuesday by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB).

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According to officials, the builder was not following pollution control norms, leading to emissions thereby contributing to the overall air pollution.

“In the wake of high pollution levels, a random inspection was carried out on Monday at construction sites where (at a plot) in Sector 1, Greater Noida, gross misconduct of norms under graded response action plan (Grap) and directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT). It was found that the construction materials were lying in the open and adequate dust and pollution controlling measures were not taken. Thus, the UPPCB is recommending a fine of ₹5 lakh on the builder,” said a notice by UPPCB addressing the city magistrate.

Meanwhile, penalties of ₹50,000 each were slapped on two other builders at Site 5, Surajpur, under Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) and at Sector 2, Greater Noida.

Greater Noida has been under “severe” air quality for a number of days this month and has been amongst the most polluted cities in country on three days – December 23, 24 and 28 with an air quality index (AQI) of 476, 448 and 418, respectively, all in the “severe” category.

“We will continue to hold such regular inspections and do whatever is under our power to discourage emissions. The penalties were recommended under Grap which will stay in action till March 15. The penalty will be recovered through the city magistrate,” said Archna Dwivedi, regional officer, UPPCB, Greater Noida.