The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Greater Noida Authority to take immediate and decisive action against illegal construction projects operating without environmental clearances across key regions of Greater Noida.
This landmark directive follows a detailed petition highlighting widespread environmental violations in over 56 villages along the GT Road in the Chhapraula region. The tribunal’s bench, comprising environmental law experts and judicial members, issued the directive after reviewing the allegations of large-scale unauthorized developments that have emerged in both Noida and Greater Noida. The petitioner, an environmental activist and former municipal corporator, flagged these developments, asserting that they not only violate environmental norms but also threaten the region’s ecological balance. According to tribunal officials, the authority has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive survey of all ongoing construction projects within its jurisdiction. The goal is to identify those operating without the mandatory environmental clearances, including the “consent to establish” and “consent to operate” required under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
In response, the Greater Noida Authority has assured the tribunal that it will carry out rigorous spot verifications across the affected areas. The authority has committed to initiating enforcement measures against any identified violations. A detailed report outlining the status of these projects and the actions taken will be submitted at the next hearing scheduled for July 28, 2025. The petition underscores serious concerns regarding illegal land development practices, including extensive excavation, removal of topsoil, and construction without requisite environmental clearances. These activities have reportedly resulted in significant ecological degradation, such as deep pits, loss of fertile agricultural lands, and disruption of natural water flow systems.
The impact of these unauthorized developments is not confined to environmental damage alone. Reports suggest that entire villages are being rapidly transformed into unplanned urban settlements, lacking basic infrastructure like proper sewerage systems and groundwater management. This unregulated growth raises critical questions about the sustainability of urban planning in the region. Several villages, including Sadullapur, Accheja, Dhoom Manikpur, Roja Jalalpur, and Khairpur Gurjar, among others, have been identified as hotspots for these violations. In Greater Noida alone, more than 20,000 hectares of land are alleged to have been illegally encroached for construction purposes. Similar infractions have been reported in Noida villages such as Sorkha, Sarfabad, and Parthala Khanjarpur.
The tribunal’s decision marks a significant step towards enforcing stricter environmental governance in rapidly urbanizing areas. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance urban development with ecological sustainability. Experts argue that unchecked urban sprawl not only depletes natural resources but also exacerbates climate change impacts, contributing to urban heat islands and reducing biodiversity. The District Ground Water Management Council, which is also involved in monitoring groundwater usage in the region, has requested additional time to submit a formal response regarding the ecological consequences of these unauthorized constructions. Environmental advocates emphasize that these developments could have long-term repercussions, including groundwater depletion, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters. They call for a more robust regulatory framework to prevent future violations and ensure that urban growth aligns with sustainable development goals.
The NGT’s directive comes at a critical time when Greater Noida is experiencing rapid infrastructure development, including new residential complexes, commercial hubs, and connectivity projects like expressways and metro lines. While these developments are essential for economic growth, experts stress that they should not come at the cost of environmental degradation. The tribunal’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental compliance in urban planning. It underscores the role of regulatory bodies in safeguarding natural resources while accommodating the needs of a growing urban population.
As the Greater Noida Authority prepares to present its findings in the next hearing, stakeholders from various sectors, including urban planners, environmentalists, and policymakers, are closely watching the developments. The outcome could set a precedent for managing urban growth sustainably in other rapidly developing regions across India.
NGT Orders Action Against Illegal Constructions