Groundwater: NGT issues warrant on Noida builder's absence

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today issued bailable warrant against the managing director of a real estate company for non-appearance despite issuance of a show cause notice for using ground water, in violation of its orders, for construction purposes in Noida and Greater Noida.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued the warrant against the MD of ET Infra Developers Pvt Ltd as none appeared on its behalf, while the heads of other builders against whom show cause notices were issued were present.
"All noticees except Noticee no 4 are present and have been served. Consequently, we issue bailable warrant against Managing Director, ET Intra Developers Pvt. Co., Noticee no 4 in the sum of Rs 20,000, for the production of said Noticee on the next date of hearing before the Tribunal," the bench said and listed the matter for further hearing on October 9.

The bench directed the builders to file their responses answering the allegation against them of using ground water in violation of the tribunal's orders.
If they claim to be not using ground water, then they need to provide the source from where they are procuring water for construction purposes, whether it is transported by tankers, etc, the bench said.
The builders were also directed to give details of the approximate amount of water they require to construct each floor of their buildings.

On an oral request of lawyers appearing for the noticees, their personal presence was exempted by the tribunal, unless their appearance is specifically sought.

On August 22, the NGT had issued show cause notices to 12 real estate developers, including DLF, Supertech and Jaypee Greens.
Apart from them, show cause notices had also been issued to Wave Infratech, BPTP Ltd, 3C Company, ET Infra Developers, SDS Infratech in Noida and Greater Noida, Capital Infra Projects, Sunworld Residency and Paras Season Haven.