The National Green Tribunal Southern Zone (NGT SZ), an environmental regulatory body in India, asked a Chennai-based private builder to pay Rs 5.5 crore for breaking environmental laws.

The Puravankara Projects Limited obtained environmental clearance from the authorities concerned to construct a residential apartment complex at Pudupakkam in Chengalpet with 1184 units in 2008. The next year, the builders decided to expand the construction, adding 990 more residential units.

The builders applied for environmental clearance but did not receive it. Consequently, they decided to move forward with the construction and increase the total number of residential units to 2174, as stated in the appeal filed before the tribunal by the apartment residents in 2021.

According to the firm, deficiencies in the sewage treatment plants (STPs) and diesel generators (DG) caused shrill voices and unpleasant smells.

The tribunal constituted a joint committee to study the issue, and it noticed deficiencies in the manner an STP was operated, and the noise level was between 59.6 and 65.8 decibels (dB) as against the standard of 55 dB.

The committee also found that no permission was obtained by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). The board directed the project proponent to pay Rs 1.2 crore as compensation for destroying the environment.

The tribunal heard both sides and decided that the project proponent violated environmental laws and asked to pay Rs 5.5 crore as compensation within two months.

Source: Times of India