Around 14 builders of the societies have been levied a fine of Rs 28 lakh (Rs 2 lakh per builder) by the sewerage and sewage treatment plant (STP) department of Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) for violating the STP effluent norms as per National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines. If the fines are not submitted within the next one weeks time then an additional fine of Rs 5-10 lakh will be imposed.
Some of these highrise buildings include M/s Supertech Ecovillage II sector 16 B, M/s Gaur City 1 main gate sector 16 C, Panchsheel Hyanish, Ace Aspire GH-2 Tech Zone IV, Arihant Arden, Panchsheel Green, Aarcity Regency, Omkar Nest, Satrland Craft Pvt Ltd, Gaursons Promoters and Ajay Enterprises Pvt Ltd.
According to Narendra Bhooshan, CEO, GNIDA, if these societies did not stop draining untreated water from their STP’s then a fine of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed followed by Rs 10 lakh for a third violation. The NGT guidelines clearly state that the sewer water cannot be discharged directly into the drain unless it is treated through STPs since it contains high fecal coliform which is dangerous.
A source in GNIDA said that due to the high cost in the operation and maintenance of STPs none of the buildings are treating the sewer water. This results in the contamination of groundwater and also makes the water unusable for irrigation.
While most societies keep their sewage treatment plants shut because of the high cost of operations, a team from GNIDA had earlier carried out a drive and served notices to apartment buildings with non-functioning STPs.