Show-cause notice issued to NHAI for GRAP violations in Palwal
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued a show-cause notice and has announced a fine in the form of Environmental Compensation (EC) on the NHAI for alleged violations of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) norms in the district.
The move comes in the wake of a ground inspection carried out by the regional office of the HSPCB on the basis of complaints and reports about the violation of the norms during the ongoing construction of a vehicular underpass (VUP) at Baghola village on the NH 19 in the district. While the inspection was done on Saturday, it was found that various violations and non-compliance of the norms of the GRAP had been going on, which include accumulation of dust along the VUP, dumping of uncovered construction material, presence of construction and demolition (C and D) waste and dust on sideways and median, lack of measures for mitigation of the dust particles, absence of mandatory antismog guns, wind-breaking walls, non-use of the tarpaulin (green-net), wind-fencing or scaffolding sheet of appropriate height around the periphery of the construction and the area under construction, according to the report submitted by the inspection team to the office here. It was added that as DG Set was being used in violation of the CAQM’s directions, the vehicle used for transportation had no PUC certificate as per the rules. Various stretches on the main highway as well as service roads were found to be lying unpaved or without a bitumen layer, causing dust emission in the vicinity. Photographs of the alleged violations have been attached with the notice served by the HSPCB to the NHAI last evening, it was claimed.
"In view of these violations, you are liable to pay the Environmental Compensation in terms of the directions of Board-issued letter no. HSPCB/PLG/2021/2343-2350 dated December 22, 2021, as assessed by the Board as per methodology defined therein during GRAP period,’’ says the notice, which adds that these types of activities deteriorated the air quality of Palwal and could affect the whole state.
“In view of the above, you are hereby directed to deposit Environmental Compensation of Rs 10 lakh in INDUSIND Bank, Panchkula, account no. 100053543757 with IFSC code INDB0000164 and submit the compliance-cum-action-taken-report on the deficiencies mentioned above,” says the notice. “Why prosecution action for continuous violation against you may not be initiated in this regard under the above said rules or acts, without the issuance of any further notice,” said the notice issued by the regional office of HSPCB.
Akansha Tanwar, Regional Officer, HSPCB, said notice and imposition of the EC had been done as per the norms and after detection of the violations by the department concerned. DC Dr Harish Kumar Vashisht said all measures would be ensured for effective implementation of the GRAP-Three Stage norms in the district.
