JAIPUR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to RIICO Limited, Bikaner, over alleged violations related to the Karni Industrial Area expansion project.
According to the NGT’s order, as per notification no. SO 1533(E), dated Sept 14, 2006, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Govt of India, it is mandatory for industrial parks, resorts, hotels, hospitals, societies, and other establishments spanning 50 hectares or more to obtain environmental clearance before commencing construction.
The directive also prohibits developers, builders, companies, or firms from initiating any construction activity at the site without prior clearance. This mandate was further reinforced by an office circular issued by the ministry on Aug 19, 2010.
In the order, its mentioned, RIICO allegedly violated these guidelines by starting construction activities, including the development of structures, tube wells, powerhouses, and roads, in the Karni Industrial Area expansion project between 2010 and 2013.
These activities were undertaken before securing environmental clearance, which was only granted on April 11, 2017. Additionally, the company reportedly allowed a food processing unit to begin construction on Jan 28, 2014, contravening the 2010 circular.”
RTI activist Rajendra Tiwari said, the notice follows a complaint filed by a Bikaner-based entrepreneur with the NGT, highlighting the violations.
“Acting on the complaint, the tribunal directed the formation of a Joint Committee, comprising the district collector of Bikaner and the member secretary of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, to investigate the matter,” said an official.
