Manoj Gaur, President, CREDAI, NCR
Though pollution control is essential, it should also be understood that real estate projects already adhere to stringent pollution control standards as required by RERA. Moreover, since real estate sector suffers financially due to construction ban, all such activities that do not increase dust levels, NGT can consider to keep them outside the ambit of GRAP. It should also be understood that each halt impacts project timelines, budgets, and developer obligations to financial institutions. One of RERA’s stringent conditions includes timely delivery of projects, and in case of any delay, a developer has to pay a late delivery penalty, which raises the cost of the project. With a large number of units currently under construction and customers eagerly waiting for their homes, exempting RERA-approved projects, especially those nearing their completion, from GRAP could balance public health needs with economic stability by sustaining essential development work.
Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India)
The GRAP restrictions due to severe pollution in NCR are challenging yet crucial steps toward fostering an improved environment. For the real estate sector, this pause is an opportunity to reassess practices, innovate sustainably, and incorporate such phases into contingency plans. While there may be temporary delays, developers are well-prepared, and the long-term alignment with environmental goals will benefit both the sector and society.
Amit Modi, Director County Group
Concrete steps should be taken to reduce the high levels of pollution, and developers for the time being should restrict themselves to non-polluting activities on-site only, such as carpentry and plumbing fittings, wooden flooring, aluminium and glass fittings, internal wiring, sanitary fittings and other non-polluting interior work and external work like horticulture, etc to make sure that while on one hand work and delivery timelines promised to homebuyers are not hindered and at the same time there is no adverse impact on environment.
Kushagr Ansal, Director Ansal Housing
We advocate for a nuanced approach that balances environmental concerns with the practical realities of the construction industry. A ban on construction activities could lead to financial hardships for workers, delays in project timelines, and the imposition of penalties on developers under RERA regulations. These disruptions could hinder progress on projects that are already in full compliance with rigorous environmental standards. We recommend that RERA-approved projects be granted exemptions from broad construction restrictions, as these projects are already subject to stringent pollution-control measures.
Sanjay Sharma, Director SKA Group
As responsible developers, though we have factored in these disruptions, we would like to request the NGT to permit non-polluting activities like carpentry and fittings during bans to ensure minimal delays in delivery.
Dr Amish Bhutani, Managing Director of Group 108
As a conscientious real estate company, we fully support measures to combat pollution. However, the authorities should also consider that construction ban delays project timelines, increase financial strain, and delay project deliveries. Since all the RERA-registered projects are already implementing anti-pollution measures, like anti-smog guns and dust suppression among others, NGT should take a lenient view, and should permit non-polluting activities. A collaborative strategy is crucial to curb pollution while keeping development and livelihoods intact.
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