Uttar Pradesh Asks Noida DM to Act Against Migsun Builders Over Illegal Groundwater Use

Noida, May 12: The Uttar Pradesh government has directed the Noida DM to act against Migsun Builders over illegal groundwater use. Environmentalist Vikrant Tongad alleged the builder is discharging extracted groundwater into the sewer system, violating the UP Groundwater Act.

Complaint Details

The direction came after environmentalist Vikrant Tongad pursued the matter with the water resources department and submitted an application on April 22. Tongad mentioned that Migsun Builders have been carrying out large-scale dewatering operations in Tech Zone for the past year. The extracted groundwater is being discharged into the sewer system, which is a violation of rules under the Uttar Pradesh Groundwater (Management and Regulation) Act, 2019.

Environmental Impact

Tongad told TOI that due to large-scale dewatering activities, there has been a significant decline in groundwater level across the entire region. "The extracted groundwater is flowing into the sewer system. Now the sewer lines are overburdened. The pipes might burst at any point, and the fresh groundwater might get contaminated too. It might cause permanent damage to the aquifer as well," he said.

Legal Violations

These activities are in clear violation of several legal provisions, including the UP Groundwater Act, NGT orders, the Environment (Protection) Act and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. Residents and farmers of Gharbhara village are distressed about the illegal extraction of fresh groundwater and its wastage.

Action Requested

Tongad has requested the state groundwater department to check the extraction and also impose appropriate environmental compensation for the damage already caused. He had written to the Greater Noida Authority multiple times, but they did not yield results. The last complaint was filed with the Authority on April 22.