NGT issues notice to MoEF on Noida-Greater Noida Metro line

The National Green Tribunal has sought the response of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and the Uttar Pradesh government, among other entities, on a petition challenging the construction of an upcoming Noida-Greater Noida Metro line.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by environmentalist Vikrant Tongad, seeking directions to the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) to obtain environmental clearance for its project from Noida to Greater Noida after conducting a proper Environment Impact Assessment of the project. “From the detailed project report (DPR), it is clear that the total land requirement for the project of metro rail from Noida to Greater Noida is around 2,84,762.01 sqm, however, no Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report was prepared. This fact was verified by the applicant by inspecting the records of the project under Right to Information Act, 2005.

“It is submitted that as per 8(b) of Schedule of EIA Notification, 2006, project having covering area more than 50 ha or built up area more than 1,50,000 sqm requires environmental clearance and is to be appraised as category ‘B1’ project,” the plea, filed through advocate Rahul Choudhary, said. Tongad said the Metro from Noida to Greater Noida will pass through the Hindon and piers would be constructed on the riverbed, which can significantly harm aquatic habitat of the river.

“During construction phase of the project, the total water requirement is about 1,40,00,000 litres. The water requirement would be met to by digging borewells. The DPR states that the water is made available by borewell within the vicinity of the project site during the construction phase. The requirement water for operation phase is not clear from the DPR. It is submitted that the extraction of groundwater will have further impact of the depleting groundwater level of Noida and Greater Noida,” the plea added.