UPPCB Recommends Stopping Construction of Four Housing Projects Over Non-Compliance
The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has taken a significant step by recommending an immediate halt to construction on four residential projects due to non-compliance with mandatory environmental clearances. This directive is expected to impact over 4,000 homebuyers, raising concerns about regulatory adherence and accountability in the real estate sector.
The four projects under scrutiny are Ascon Pride Villa, Purushottam Estate, Dwarika City, and Sahara Enclave, collectively covering over 20,000 square meters. The investigations stemmed from a complaint filed on December 9 with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by Rajendra Tyagi, a Ghaziabad resident. The complaint alleged illegal construction activities across 18 villages in Noida and over 55 villages in Greater Noida.
According to the petition, nearly 1.50 lakh villas have either been constructed or are under development in these areas, accompanied by over 1,100 unauthorized colonies. The complaint also highlighted similar violations in regions under the jurisdiction of the Yamuna Expressway Authority.
During inspections, it was discovered that the builders of these projects had failed to secure essential environmental clearances and layout approvals. Furthermore, the UPPCB regional office in Greater Noida found that some developers had proceeded to sell plots, flats, and villas in these projects without fulfilling legal prerequisites.
Show-cause notices were issued to five projects in November, but only one, located in Surajpur Site C, managed to produce the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the pollution control board. For the remaining four projects, the UPPCB has recommended halting all construction activities. Closure orders have already been issued for Ascon Pride Villa, while further directives are awaited for the others.
Another pressing issue is the suspected presence of unauthorized borewells at the construction sites. The groundwater department is expected to inspect the premises to determine whether the builders violated groundwater extraction norms. These findings could lead to additional penalties or restrictions on the projects.
This case reflects a broader trend of unauthorized and illegal construction in the region. It is estimated that several projects in Noida, Greater Noida, and adjoining areas have been operating outside the ambit of environmental regulations. Unregulated construction not only undermines the principles of sustainable urban planning but also jeopardizes the rights of homebuyers who often remain unaware of these violations.
The UPPCB’s recommendation has left thousands of homebuyers in a precarious position. Many buyers had already invested in these properties, assuming they were legally compliant. The ongoing legal and administrative proceedings may delay project completion, leaving homebuyers in limbo regarding the possession of their homes.
This situation underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of environmental and urban planning laws in India’s real estate sector. Developers must ensure compliance with all regulations, including obtaining approvals and clearances before initiating construction. The authorities, on their part, must take timely actions to detect and penalize violations to deter future non-compliance.
The UPPCB has referred the matter to its headquarters in Lucknow for further review and action. Meanwhile, the affected homebuyers and local authorities await clarity on the future of these projects.
