GURUGRAM: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a ban on construction activities in Mayfield Garden after hearing a petition filed by the Orchid Island Residents Welfare Association, which alleged “severe violations of environmental regulations” by the developer of the colony.
Mayfield Garden — a residential colony spread over 327 acres across sectors 47, 50, 51, 52 and 57 — has been at the centre of controversy due to gross environmental violations.
In its order on April 4, NGT has directed Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to ensure that no construction in violation of the norms is carried out in the colony till the next date of hearing, which is scheduled on July 10. The tribunal has also sought responses from all departments concerned at least one week before the date of hearing.
In its petition, the RWA claimed that serious environmental damage has been caused by developers, who have carried out construction without obtaining necessary environmental clearances. They said construction commenced prior to 2006 but subsequently the plans have changed. The project has been substantially amended time and again with the change in magnitude of the project. The area has increased and currently it’s 327.7 acres.
However, the project developer has failed to obtain crucial clearances, including consent to operate (CTO), consent to establish (CTE) and no objection certificate (NOC) from the authorities.
As a result, construction activities are being carried out in violation of norms and regulations, the petitioners said.
“The builder of the colony grossly violated environmental rules. Such a huge colony was developed without environmental clearance. We hope action will be taken to hold accountable those responsible for environmental violations in Mayfield Garden,” said Rajinder Kumar, RWA president of Orchid Island.
Moreover, they have raised concerns over illegal extraction of groundwater on a large scale.
Advocate Yatish Kumar Goyal, counsel for the RWA, said unauthorised sale of common areas for exorbitant amount of money. “The builder does not have the right to sell the common area. This is being done in collusion with DTCP and other departments. An embargo was repeatedly imposed against the builder but with the connivance of authorities, it was repeatedly lifted and illegal construction continues unabated. Neither the builder took environment clearance, nor does it have consent to establish and operate,” Yadav added. When contacted, a senior HSPCB official said it will ensure compliance with the NGT’s direction.
