The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently ordered immediate demolition of two high-rise luxury projects in Bengaluru due to violation of environment clearance norms in and around Kaikondrahalli lake in the city.
The green panel revoked the environmental clearance granted in 2018 to projects by Godrej Properties Ltd and Wonder Projects Development Pvt Ltd. The NGT panel also imposed a fine of Rs 31 crore on the project proponent and said that the amount would be used for construction, rejuvenation and reforestation of the Kaikondrahalli lake and its surrounding area.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for allowing construction and alteration of storm water drains passing through the project site illegally. The order came on a petition filed by Bengaluru resident HP Rajanna against the Godrej Reflections project being built in Kasavanahalli village.
The tribunal said that the fine would be utilized by the said authority by preparing a restoration plan with the help of BBMP, state and central pollution control boards. The tribunal said the restoration plan would be executed by the State Wetlands Authority and the BBMP, which could be looked into by the Pollution Control Board.
A Godrej Properties spokesperson said, “We comply with all relevant regulations and are confident of our compliance in this project. We are in the process of challenging the order.”
.