Tamil Nadu builders divided: NGT directs committee to inspect, submit report

Chennai: The seven Tamil Nadu builders, whose construction projects are caught in a legal tangle, are divided over future course of action. Though two builders – M/s Dugar Housing Ltd and M/s SPR and RG constructions – have secured interim stay order from Supreme Court challenging National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, another three builders – M/s Ponnudurai, Rudy Manoharan Developers and SSM builders – on Friday moved the NGT, New Delhi, saying they want to continue with their business and already paid the penalty imposed.

Mr Abdul Saleem, Special Government Pleader, appearing for Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) & Tamil Nadu State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) submitted in the court that as the Supreme Court had stayed the NGT’s judgement and orders, the NGT appointed committee had stopped its functioning.

He also confirmed that the applicants had paid the entire penalty as directed by the NGT in its earlier order and only for the reason of stay by the Supreme Court, committee did not proceed further.

Hearing the arguments, the tribunal clarified that the stay would apply only to those specific appellants and not to the other project proponents who want implementation of NGT’ order and directed the committee to complete the inspection and file the report.

These builders feel that SC stay order will not help them obtain the environmental clearance without which they can’t sell their flats. The green bench posted the matter to October 19 for the Committee to file its report.