CPCB report on fixing of environmental compensation on Ansal Properties and Infrastructure, 13/06/2022
Report filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) containing revised directions issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in OA No. 661 of 2018 (Praveen Kakkar Vs MoEF&CC & Others).
The matter related to violation of rules by Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd in the setting up of a residential colony spread over 604.194 acres at Sushant Lok, Phase-I, Sector 27, 28, 43 and 52, Gurugram. The CPCB report was in compliance to the NGT order, September 28, 2021 - wherein the CPCB was directed to assess compensation for violations committed by Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Limited (project proponent).
The violations included absence of environment clearance (EC), Consent to Establish, Consent to Operate and consent for extraction of groundwater.
The NGT said that the "scale of compensation has to be related to the cost of the project so as to operate as deterrent against the law violators."
In response the the NGT order, the CPCB, June 13, 2022 has directed Ansal Properties and Infrastructure to pay environmental compensation of 100 crore rupees to the CPCB within fifteen days of receipt of the direction and in case of delay in deposition of environmental compensation interest would be charged as per rules.
In addition, the project proponent has to pay additional environmental compensation as determined by the Central Groundwater Authority on account of extraction of groundwater without permission and defunct rain water harvesting system in Sushant Lok Phase-I, Gurugram. Ansal Properties have to submit an action plan to the CPCB regarding rectification of the shortcomings within 7 days from the receipt of the directions and to rectify all the shortcomings within 30 days from the receipt of these directions and an action taken report has to be filed.