The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive prohibiting construction activities for building projects in Greater Noida and Noida that lack the necessary clearances. This decision came in response to a plea alleging unauthorized and illegal construction of houses, shops, and commercial and residential complexes in the area, which were found to be in violation of environmental regulations.

The plea further accused some real estate developers of illegally extracting topsoil and operating unauthorized borewells.

In an order dated December 9, a bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that the concerned authorities had submitted their replies, revealing that certain project proponents were continuing construction without obtaining mandatory approvals such as Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO), and Environmental Clearance (EC).

The bench, which also included Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel, directed that until the next hearing, the state authorities and pollution control board must ensure that projects requiring EC, CTE, or CTO but lacking these clearances are not allowed to proceed with construction activities. The tribunal emphasized that compliance with environmental norms and clearances is mandatory for these projects.

Additionally, the NGT instructed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to take measures to prevent illegal land plotting in floodplain zones.

During the proceedings, Akash Vashishtha, counsel for the petitioner, highlighted the prevalence of illegal townships, villas, and apartments in Greater Noida. He presented extensive evidence, including photographs, to demonstrate ongoing large-scale unauthorized construction. The materials reportedly showed electricity poles being installed in illegal colonies and borewells being dug without the required no-objection certificates (NOCs).

The petition, filed by BJP leader and former Municipal Corporator Rajendra Tyagi, identified 56 villages in Greater Noida and 18 villages in Noida where unauthorized colonies and townships were allegedly being developed.