New Delhi: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has found that no environmental clearance was granted for the proposed Integrated multi-sports arena project in Dwarka’s Sector 19B and has ordered action against illegal construction and unauthorised felling of trees.This sports infrastructure project has been undertaken by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis with a real estate developer (Omaxe). The project proponent is Worldstreet Sports Center Limited, a subsidiary of Omaxe Ltd.A plea was filed in the tribunal in 2025 claiming that the project proponent has indulged in a massive illegal tree felling and construction activities without requisite permission in violation of environmental norms.The bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel in an order dated April 22 noted that no environmental clearance had been issued for the project. The tribunal recorded that the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC) had stated the project status on the PARIVESH portal remained “ADS Raised”, meaning additional documents sought by the ministry were still pending. It also noted that the project proponent also undertook unauthorised construction beyond permissible temporary activities.The tribunal rejected the project proponent’s argument of “deemed environmental clearance” under Clause 8(iii) of the EIA Notification, 2006. NGT held that such a benefit can only be claimed when the application is complete in all respects; all procedural requirements are fulfilled, and there is a clear and unconditional recommendation by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).In this case, the tribunal noted that no prior permission was granted under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 for felling trees. Photographs and satellite imagery placed on record showed illegal tree felling. “The subsequent approval granted by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on Feb 17 is of no consequence, as the alleged tree felling had occurred much earlier,” said the order.NGT observed that the EAC recommendation was conditional, particularly requiring prior permission for cutting trees as the site has nearly 2,000 trees. However, the tribunal observed that no such permission was obtained before tree felling.“The tree officer concerned is directed to carry out the spot inspection immediately and ascertain the number of trees which were illegally felled by the project proponent before CEC approval dated Feb 17…. and take remedial and punitive action within eight weeks.,” said the bench. It directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to inspect the site, assess violations of environmental norms and take action.The tribunal further asked MoEF&CC to take a final decision on grant of environmental clearance in accordance with law, while considering the violations noted in the order.No response was received from the DDA in the matter. However, Worldstreet Sports Center Limited in a statement said the company is filing an appeal against the said order. “We have taken note of the NGT’s order and will comply with all directions of the authorities concerned. The project developer has consistently followed due process and applicable environmental norms. Further, permission for tree cutting has already been granted by the CEC. We remain committed to executing the project in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations,” said the statement.
