NGT orders razing Godrej Properties and Wonder projects in Bengaluru
Real Estate

NGT orders razing Godrej Properties and Wonder projects in Bengaluru

The National Green Tribunal has cancelled the environmental clearance (EC) of a high-rise luxury project by Wonder Projects Development Private Limited and Godrej Properties Limited in Bengaluru and ordered immediate demolition of the project.

The green panel told the media that they impose coverage for damage to the environment as 10% of the project cost. It ordered a penalty of Rs 31 crore on the project proponent. The amount will be used for the destruction of the buildings, renovation of the area to the original position, rejuvenation and reforestation of the Kaikondrahalli lake and its surrounding region.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel imposed Rs 10 lakh on Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) that approved construction/alteration of Storm Water Drain passing through the project site illegally.

The order came on a petition registered by Bengaluru resident H P Rajanna against the project, Godrej Reflections, being constructed at Kasavanahalli village in Varthur Hobli in Battleground Urban district.

Godrej Properties spokesperson told the media that NGT passed an opposing order concerning one of their projects in Bengaluru. The order did not consider all assertions and arguments presented by them. It is the second time NGT has cancelled the EC.

The Supreme Court had earlier set aside the NGT order revoking the environmental clearance given to the project.

Noting that the construction raised by the project proponent began even before granting of approval to install by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and in infringement of provisions of EC, the NGT Friday ordered that the buildings made on-site should be razed immediately.

The tribunal told the media that the penalty would be used by preparing a restoration plan by the said authority with the help of the BBMP, KSPCB and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Restoration plan shall be implemented by State Wetland Authority, and BBMP which may also be managed by KSPCB and CPCB, it said.

NGT told the media that the restoration plan should be prepared within two months and implemented within a year while making it clear that if any amount remains available after undertaking the restoration work, it would be used by the Wetland Authority for maintenance and beautification of the lakes in question.

The bench said that BBMP would make up the deficiency amount if it is found to be deficient. If any question remains unsolved, but in the authorities, the National Wetland Authority is ordered to fix the same.

The tribunal said that the confidence of the project proponent in moving ahead at different levels without considering Statutory Provisions, Procedures and Environmental Laws, approved by some of the statutory authorities is visible by the direction of senior officers of various departments who were elected members of the Committee by Tribunal and Environment Ministry, yet they opposed the same.

The bench said that there is an evident absence of bonafide on the part of the officials and this conduct deserves to be strongly condemned. They requested the Secretary, MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forest), to look into the case and take relevant action against such erring authorities.

Image Source


Also read: DTCP razes two illegal colonies in Gurugram

Also read: DTCP ramps up action against illegal constructions in Gurugram

The National Green Tribunal has cancelled the environmental clearance (EC) of a high-rise luxury project by Wonder Projects Development Private Limited and Godrej Properties Limited in Bengaluru and ordered immediate demolition of the project. The green panel told the media that they impose coverage for damage to the environment as 10% of the project cost. It ordered a penalty of Rs 31 crore on the project proponent. The amount will be used for the destruction of the buildings, renovation of the area to the original position, rejuvenation and reforestation of the Kaikondrahalli lake and its surrounding region. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel imposed Rs 10 lakh on Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) that approved construction/alteration of Storm Water Drain passing through the project site illegally. The order came on a petition registered by Bengaluru resident H P Rajanna against the project, Godrej Reflections, being constructed at Kasavanahalli village in Varthur Hobli in Battleground Urban district. Godrej Properties spokesperson told the media that NGT passed an opposing order concerning one of their projects in Bengaluru. The order did not consider all assertions and arguments presented by them. It is the second time NGT has cancelled the EC. The Supreme Court had earlier set aside the NGT order revoking the environmental clearance given to the project. Noting that the construction raised by the project proponent began even before granting of approval to install by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and in infringement of provisions of EC, the NGT Friday ordered that the buildings made on-site should be razed immediately. The tribunal told the media that the penalty would be used by preparing a restoration plan by the said authority with the help of the BBMP, KSPCB and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Restoration plan shall be implemented by State Wetland Authority, and BBMP which may also be managed by KSPCB and CPCB, it said. NGT told the media that the restoration plan should be prepared within two months and implemented within a year while making it clear that if any amount remains available after undertaking the restoration work, it would be used by the Wetland Authority for maintenance and beautification of the lakes in question. The bench said that BBMP would make up the deficiency amount if it is found to be deficient. If any question remains unsolved, but in the authorities, the National Wetland Authority is ordered to fix the same. The tribunal said that the confidence of the project proponent in moving ahead at different levels without considering Statutory Provisions, Procedures and Environmental Laws, approved by some of the statutory authorities is visible by the direction of senior officers of various departments who were elected members of the Committee by Tribunal and Environment Ministry, yet they opposed the same. The bench said that there is an evident absence of bonafide on the part of the officials and this conduct deserves to be strongly condemned. They requested the Secretary, MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forest), to look into the case and take relevant action against such erring authorities. Image Source Also read: DTCP razes two illegal colonies in Gurugram Also read: DTCP ramps up action against illegal constructions in Gurugram

Next Story
Products

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation  and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India.   The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?