Mohali: Violations in Purab project, GMADA told to pay Rs 1.02 crore

Gaurav Kanthwal

Mohali, July 16

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 1.02 crore on the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) for violations under Sections 33-A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 at Purab Premium Apartments in Sector 88. It has also written to the revenue officials concerned not to register sale deeds related to plots, flats, houses or shops in the housing project.

Violations galore

• Environmental clearance expired in 2020
• One borewell in use, but no record of daily consumption of freshwater
• No captive sewage treatment plant
• Untreated domestic sewage discharged into sewers linked to Mohali treatment plant
• Four rainwater harvesting pits, but no record of maintenance
• Solar energy not being used

The board has asked GMADA, the biggest development authority of Punjab, to stop all types of constructions in the housing project with immediate effect and plug discharge of waste water and effluents into sewers and on to land. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has been directed not to release any electricity connection for this project or any of its components.

“GMADA shall not allow any new occupancy or possession on the premises with immediate effect,” reads the notification.

The orders, dated July 8, direct the development authority to deposit Rs 1.02 crore with the Office of Environmental Engineer, PPCB, within 15 days.

Officials of GMADA said they would file an appeal against the order.

Ambedkar Institute of Medical Education, Mohali, is in talks with the authority to take a few flats on lease for its medical students in the housing project, which has 1,620 flats built on 37.5 acres.

Now, the existing flat holders will not be able to register the sale deeds till the shortcomings mentioned by the PPCB are removed by the development authority.

A separate notice is being issued to the authority under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 for violations of provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, along with an opportunity for a personal hearing before the Chairman, PPCB.

On April 1, the National Green Tribunal had imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on the authority for causing damage to the environment in this project.