On Mahua Moitra’s plea, National Green Tribunal directs CPCB to check allegations of GRAP-3 violations in Delhi

“..In the circumstances of the case, we dispose of the OA (original application) directing the CPCB to duly consider the complaint of the Applicant, get the spot verification done and if any violation of the GRAP Stage-III order is found, take appropriate remedial action in accordance with law without any delay,” the NGT’s order said.

The order noted the submissions of Moitra’s counsel, Sanjay Upadhyay, that a complaint was made to the CPCB regarding the alleged unauthorised construction on November 12, but no action was taken. The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was impleaded as the main respondent in the matter. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, M/s Globe Civil Projects Ltd, and National Building Construction Corporation (India) Ltd (NBCC) were the other respondents.

In her plea, the MP – whose official residence is at 15, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane, KG Marg – has alleged that as part of the Ministry of External Affairs’ housing project, titled ‘MEA projects’ at Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane, construction was being carried out in flagrant violation and blatant disregard of the Graded Response Action Plan’s (GRAP) Stage-3 order dated November 11, whereby all non-essential construction activities have been restricted in view of the depleting air quality in Delhi.

Restrictions under GRAP–3 include a complete ban on dust-generating construction and demolition activities, such as demolition and earthworks, among others. It also involves restrictions on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light vehicles, and conducting school classes in hybrid mode up to Class V.

In her plea, Moitra prayed for a stay on the construction of the housing project in view of GRAP-3 restrictions; imposition of environmental compensation on M/s Globe Civil project and the NBCC India for undertaking construction in violation of GRAP orders dated October 14, October 19, and November 11, as well as of Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The government-owned NBCC is redeveloping the MEA Housing at KG Marg, which includes quarters of various types.

The plea has alleged that the massive construction of the multi-storeyed housing project has been going on almost 24×7, especially post 10 pm, in flagrant violation of the law as well as rules and orders of the NGT and Supreme Court. The construction, it is alleged, has led to a severe increase in air pollution and noise pollution in a residential area, besides dust and accumulation of construction and demolition waste, which is lying uncovered without adequate abatement measures. The MP attached photographs of the site in question to show the work going on at night.

Further, the MP said she had approached different authorities since September 2025 to seek necessary action, including the Station House Officer (SHO), Barakhamba Road, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, but nothing concrete was done. A complaint was also lodged with the CPCB’s air pollution portal, but no response was received from the statutory authorities.

The CAQM issued directions to impose GRAP-3 on Tuesday after air quality in Delhi slipped into the ‘severe’ category, making it hazardous to breathe.