Judgement of the National Green Tribunal regarding environmental clearance for construction of the International Exhibition cum Conventions Centre, Dwarka, Delhi, 04/04/2018
Judgement of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Shobhit Chauhan Vs Union of India & Others dated 04/04/2018 regarding environmental clearance granted by the Ministry of Environment and Forest for construction of International Exhibition cum Conventions Centre in the sub city of Dwarka, New Delhi on 29.08.2017 without considering operating merits and demerits of the felling of 1961 trees which shall disturb the ecological balance leading to a negative impact upon the environment as well increased pollution levels for the residents of the peripheral colonies defeating the objective clause of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the purpose of the EIA Notification 2006.
NGT opines that the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Department of Environment and Forest Government of NCT of Delhi have properly examined the proposal of Project Proponent from the point of view of the impact the proposal is likely to have on the environment and have therefore imposed necessary conditions to mitigate the adverse impact on it. Apart from requiring to raise compensatory plantation 19610 trees in Yamuna Bank plains the project proponents are also required to plant a minimum of 1 tree for every 80 sq meter of land that is 11215 trees considering project area of 89.72 ha. and 5883 trees for 1961 trees cut (three trees for every one tree cut) in other words 17098 trees will be planted at the project site in Dwarka. NGT made it clear that non compliance of directions to plant trees in Dwarka site by the project proponent will attract environmental compensation.