The tribunal directed the Highway body to use the fine for restoration of the environment, while directing a 7-member panel led by a Senior representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
It further said that, in case of failure to deposit the amount, the damaged pond, grazing land, nallahs etc. shall be restored to their original form by taking such steps, as prescribed in the law.
The order said that protection of the environment is the responsibility of every person and citizen. There should not be any occasion of violation of environmental laws and norms when seeking to build a project. NHAI is expected to be extremely watchful and careful in such cases, it added.
“We hope and trust that NHAI in future shall take care in observance of requirement of law, particularly environmental laws and norms, and shall not repeat the violation thereof inviting severe civil, criminal and other action as provided in law,” the order stated.
