NGT probes alleged collusion between Noida authorities and land mafia amid rampant illegal schemes

Plea says Noida, a pollution board colluding with the land mafia; NGT seeks response from UP government

Noida: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the UP government, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are on the rise illegal constructions in Noida and Greater Noida.
The tribunal also directed the district magistrate to issue fresh notices to two developers who are currently under investigation for allegedly carrying out unlawful construction activities.
In March 2024, Rajendra Tyagi, a resident of Ghaziabad and five-time municipal councilor, filed an NGT petition asking the tribunal to take legal action against the developers involved in these illegal construction projects. Through the petition, Tyagi sought to address the issue of rampant unauthorized development in the region and urged the tribunal to take measures to curb such activities.
The petition, which was heard on September 27, exposed the widespread illegal construction activities in Noida and Greater Noida.
“The bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr. A Senthil Vel, has directed these entities to file their replies and replies at least a week before the next scheduled date of hearing. The tribunal has also made the presence of court representatives mandatory. UP government, YEIDA and CPCB during the upcoming hearing,” the NGT order said.
The tribunal also included Noida Authority as a party in the case, with the order stating: “Considering the allegations contained in the application and the attendant facts and circumstances, we consider the presence of Noida through its CEO to be essential for a just and decent thing.” decision on the environmental issues involved.”
Applicant’s counsel Akash Vashishtha submitted that there was a large-scale conspiracy between Greater Noida & Noida authorities, police, UPCB administration and private colonizers/land mafia. According to the counsel, there has been a complete violation of the provisions of the Water and Air Acts, the Ground Water Regulation Act and the UP Revenue Code, 2006.
“There is a continuous, vibrant selling going on round the clock, creating third party rights and cheating the common people,” Vashishtha argued.