Daijiworld Media Network – Gurugram
Gurugram, Jul 2: In a significant move to curb illegal groundwater extraction in Gurugram, the Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) has imposed penalties amounting to Rs 4.88 crore on four prominent builders. This action comes in response to sustained violations of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) guidelines.
As per the official inquiry report submitted by HWRA Chairperson Keshni Anand Arora to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the penalized entities include BPTP Complex (now operating as Countrywide Promoters Pvt Ltd) fined Rs 2.12 crore, Ramprastha Promoters and Developers Pvt Ltd penalized Rs 1.10 crore, VS Realprojects Pvt Ltd (Selfie – AMB Square) fined Rs 1.22 crore, and Neocentra which has been slapped with a fine of Rs 44.28 lakh.
The NGT had earlier constituted a Joint Committee that, during an inspection in November 2023, confirmed illegal extraction of groundwater by these builders. The committee found unauthorised tube wells and sump wells operational at various project sites. The HWRA has ordered the sealing of these installations.
The NGT, in a scathing order dated April 23 this year, had pulled up the authorities for inaction, remarking that despite ongoing violations, no significant enforcement measures were taken for over a year. The tribunal, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, observed, “By delaying action, the respondent authorities have effectively permitted illegal extraction of groundwater.”
Keshni Anand Arora, in her follow-up report, revealed damning details. BPTP had denied allegations of dewatering, yet seven operational tube wells were discovered within its premises.
Ramprastha Promoters had failed to submit a proper impact assessment report despite applying for NOC in November 2023. In the case of VS Realprojects, the inspection team identified multiple unauthorized borewells, both within and outside the project boundaries, necessitating immediate sealing. Neocentra, on the other hand, failed to appear for a hearing and had an NOC application still pending.
Adding to the urgency, HWRA has reportedly issued 1,702 notices across Haryana, resulting in the dismantling of 106 tube wells as of May 31.
The matter will now come up for further hearing before the NGT on July 7. The tribunal is also reviewing the overall delay in enforcement and has directed an inquiry into the systemic lapse.
The crackdown signals a shift towards stricter monitoring and accountability in one of India’s fastest-growing urban corridors, where reckless water extraction continues to strain natural resources.