NGT Takes Cognizance Of GRAP-III & IV Violations Over Illegal Construction, Directs CAQM To Act Within 10 Days
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has taken cognizance of alleged violations of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)–III and GRAP–IV norms in connection with large-scale demolition and construction activities carried out despite the restrictions in force. The Tribunal directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to conduct a ground verification, ascertain violations, and take appropriate remedial and punitive action within ten days. The order was passed in Original Application No. 663/2025 (Shubham Verma v. Central Pollution Control Board & Ors.) by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member).
The applicant alleged that Respondent No. 4 continued extensive demolition and construction activities involving approximately 80 washrooms inside its office campus, even after GRAP–III and GRAP–IV restrictions came into effect from November 22, 2025. It was submitted that the construction activity had commenced on the same date and was continuing in violation of the ban imposed to curb air pollution.
The applicant also highlighted the serious health impact caused by the alleged violation. It was stated that his two-month-old infant daughter was facing severe health issues, and that he himself suffers from allergic bronchitis, which forced him to stay away from his child. On account of medical expenses and personal suffering, the applicant claimed compensation of ₹7,11,000.
It was further brought to the Tribunal’s notice that a complaint regarding the alleged illegal construction was lodged on November 22, 2025, through the Green Delhi App of the Department of Environment and Forest, Government of NCT of Delhi. The applicant submitted that the complaint remained unresolved. Additional complaints were also made to the CAQM on November 22 and November 23, 2025, but no action was taken. Screenshots of the app and photographs of the ongoing construction activities were placed on record in support of the allegations.
After considering the submissions and material placed before it, the Tribunal observed that the application raises a substantial issue relating to compliance with environmental norms. Taking cognizance of the matter, the Tribunal issued notice to all respondents and directed the applicant to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week prior to the next date of hearing.
The Tribunal specifically directed Respondent No. 3, the Commission for Air Quality Management, to consider the applicant’s complaint dated November 22, 2025, carry out a ground verification, ascertain whether any violations had occurred, and take appropriate remedial and punitive action in accordance with law within ten days from receipt of the order. The applicant was permitted to submit a copy of the order along with the complaint to the CAQM. The Tribunal further directed the CAQM to file an action taken report at least one week before the next date of hearing. With these directions, the matter has been listed for further consideration on February 17, 2026.
Cause Title: Shubham Verma V. Central Pollution Control Board & Ors.
Case No: Original Application No. 663/2025
Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)
