Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding construction activities around lakes in Karnataka, 30/07/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of H. P. Ranjanna Vs Union of India & Others dated 30/07/2021. The matter related to construction activities around the wetland area in Bengaluru, Karnataka - the city had a large number of lakes, but there is substantial extinction/disappearance due to encroachment, reclamation in the name of development.
The issue of ecological damage to the area between two lakes namely Kaikondarahalli Lake and Kasavanahalli Lake was taken by the NGT.
The disputed project sites by M/s. Wonder Projects Development Private Limited and M/s. Godrej Private Limited are abutting Kaikondarahalli Lake and at a distance of about 300 to 400 meters from Kasavanahalli Lake. The applicants have assailed the Environmental Clearance (EC), January 10, 2018 issued by the Karnataka State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA, Karnataka) in favour of M/s. Wonder Projects Development Private Limited, a subsidiary company of M/s. Godrej Properties Ltd.
The NGT, July 30, 2021 quashed the EC, January 10, 2018 and directed that the constructions raised by the project proponents, having commenced even before grant of Consent to Establish by KSPCB and in violation of conditions of EC be demolished immediately. The State Wetland Authority and BBMP has been asked to take steps for restoration and rejuvenation of the area as originally it was. The project proponent has been directed to pay Rs. 31 crores as environment compensation.