National Green Tribunal Takes Action on Bhopal's Tulsi Tower Pollution Complaints
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stepped in to address serious environmental concerns at one of Bhopal's most prominent residential complexes. On Tuesday, the green watchdog constituted a joint committee to investigate allegations of air and noise pollution at Tulsi Tower in Shivaji Nagar, following a petition filed by the residents' welfare society.
Residents Describe Life in 'Virtual Hell' Due to Construction Activities
Residents of the sought-after apartment complex have charged that their living conditions have deteriorated into what they describe as a 'virtual hell' since construction began on 'Tulsi Green,' the second phase of the project. The construction is being undertaken by a Pune-based company within the same campus, leading to significant environmental disruptions.
Advocate Ravikant Paridar, appearing for the petitioners, detailed multiple violations at the site. He emphasized that the area has become a major source of air pollution due to open dumping of construction materials, with thick dust continuously flying in the atmosphere. This has resulted in allergies and respiratory issues, particularly affecting elderly residents and children.
NGT Bench Highlights Blatant Environmental Violations
The NGT bench, comprising judicial member Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, noted in its order that the grievance stems from blatant environmental violations committed by the Madhya Pradesh Housing & Infrastructure Development Board and its contractor. Despite the project receiving Environmental Clearance (EC) on July 2, 2022, the respondents are operating in total defiance of its conditions and statutory environmental laws.
The tribunal pointed out several critical issues:
- Absence of basic dust suppression measures, leading to continuous flying of dust, smoke, and sand throughout the surrounding area
- Construction activities extending late into the night, violating noise pollution regulations
- Noise levels significantly exceeding prescribed limits for residential zones
- Lack of a functional sewage treatment plant (STP), resulting in untreated wastewater discharge that creates mosquito breeding grounds
Systemic Failures in Environmental Monitoring
The NGT further observed that despite persistent violations of the Air and Water Acts, the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has failed to conduct required six-monthly monitoring or regular site inspections. This systemic failure has allowed the environmental degradation to continue unchecked, exacerbating the residents' plight.
The green watchdog stated that a substantial issue of the environment has been raised, warranting immediate attention and corrective action.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
In response to these serious allegations, the NGT has issued notices to all respondents, including the Madhya Pradesh government and the construction company involved in the Tulsi Green project. The respondents have been directed to submit their replies within four weeks.
The tribunal has deferred the hearing to February 23, 2026, allowing time for the joint committee to conduct its investigation and for the respondents to address the concerns raised. This development marks a significant step toward addressing environmental violations in urban construction projects and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
