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In a significant move to combat environmental violations, 13 high-rise buildings located near the bustling Siruseri IT Park in Padur, Chennai, have been served with hefty fines totalling Rs 6.3 crore by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). These fines come as a consequence of their failure to adhere to environmental regulations, specifically their lack of operational sewage treatment plants (STPs) within gated communities.
The issue came to light following a concerned citizen, C Meiyappan, a resident of Chengalpet, who took the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Meiyappan's complaint centred around the illegal dumping of waste into the Muttukadu backwater and a local graveyard in Padur. Disturbing photographic evidence revealed that tanker trucks were being employed to unlawfully dispose of sewage in these areas, leading to heightened environmental concerns. Despite a police case being filed, no substantive action had been taken thus far.
The preliminary investigation conducted by the revenue department unearthed a troubling trend among many high-rises in gated communities – the absence of functional sewage treatment plants. Worse yet, partially treated wastewater from these non-functional STPs was being illicitly routed into stormwater drains along the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR). These drains are intended solely for the discharge of excess rainwater, exacerbating the environmental harm caused by these violations.
When questioned by the National Green Tribunal regarding the punitive measures taken against the building owners, the local Block Development Officer (BDO) confirmed that they had merely issued notices and had not imposed any penalties to date. However, the BDO suggested that the heart of the issue lies in ensuring that the STPs are made functional, offering a lasting solution to the problem.
As a response to this, the BDO, in collaboration with TNPCB, organized a meeting with the building owners in December of the preceding year to chart a way forward. It was during this meeting that TNPCB discovered that 13 apartment complexes in Padur were operating their STPs without the necessary government approval. In light of this revelation, notices were served to the building owners, demanding a cumulative penalty of Rs 6.3 crore for the damage caused to the environment.
S Rajan, the Additional Chief Environmental Engineer of the TNPCB, informed the NGT on September 8 that further action would be taken once individual responses from the violators are obtained. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on October 9, 2023.
This crackdown on environmental violations underscores the state's commitment to preserving its natural resources and holding accountable those who disregard critical environmental laws. It remains to be seen how the implicated building owners will respond to these fines as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
In a bid to protect the environment, TNPCB's rigorous stance sets a powerful precedent for responsible urban development and environmental stewardship within the region.
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