NOIDA: The National Green Tribunal has instructed the state groundwater department to investigate reports of illegal groundwater extraction by real estate developers in Noida and Greater Noida. The tribunal has also mandated that appropriate remedial and punitive measures be taken if any violations are identified. This directive followed a petition from activist Vikrant Tongad, who claimed that builders are excessively dewatering for deep excavations associated with high-rise constructions.
The department has been tasked with completing this investigation within three months. The order was issued on May 27, responding to Tongad’s application filed earlier this year, which highlighted unauthorized groundwater extraction at several construction sites, including those linked to Microsoft (Sector 145), ACE 153 (Sector 153), Migsun Builder (Techzone-II, Greater Noida), and various locations in sectors 94, 150, and parts of the YEIDA region.
The groundwater department had already taken action, directing the GB Nagar district magistrate on May 11 to act swiftly against illegal groundwater extraction and wastage by Migsun Builders in Greater Noida, with a report due within ten days.
Following Tongad’s complaint, the director of the groundwater department notified the district magistrate that Migsun Builders were unlawfully conducting dewatering operations in the Tech Zone. The letter stated, “The groundwater extracted is being directly discharged into the sewer system, which is against regulations. This illegal extraction has resulted in a declining groundwater level across the area.” Consequently, the letter called for action under the Uttar Pradesh Groundwater (Management and Regulation) Act, 2019.
The bench, consisting of chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A. Senthil Vel, noted that while the state groundwater department was included in the original application, neither the builders nor the industries alleged to have violated the laws were added as respondents.
The tribunal has instructed the department to thoroughly investigate the complaints, conduct ground checks, and take legal action against any illegally operating tube or bore wells.
Tongad commented to TOI that the groundwater levels in Noida and Greater Noida have been under strain due to rapid urbanization and extensive construction. “We will wait three months for the groundwater department to act. Should they fail to submit a report, we will file a new complaint against the builders and industries violating regulations,” he stated.
