Gurugram, July 3 -- The Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) has imposed a fine of nearly Rs.5 crore on four Gurugram-based builders for illegal extraction of groundwater against rules. The imposition of the penalty was revealed in a report filed by HWRA in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is hearing a petition filed by an NGO, which had alleged illegal extraction of groundwater. The green watchdog on April 23, had directed the HWRA to carry out an investigation in the matter and take action. The next date of hearing is on July 7. According to the report submitted by HWRA chairman Keshni Anand Arora, four developers were found to have engaged in illegal extraction of groundwater and their projects were located in Sector 103 and Sector 37D. HWRA chairperson Keshni Anand Arora said that action has been taken against the developers for not following norms with regard to dewatering and extraction of ground water. "The authority has imposed environmental compensation on developers for violations. We have also asked the local authorities to ensure maximum use of recycled water in construction. Sectors such as industry, mining, construction and others must seek permission from HWRA," she said. "Since, the replies of the project proponents were found unsatisfactory, so after granting them the opportunity of personal hearing, the orders to impose Environmental Compensation along with seizing of the borewells as well as reported sump wells existing at the site of the project proponents in question was ordered," it said. HWRA further submitted that environmental compensation has been calculated by taking into consideration the operation of illegal groundwater extraction on the sites of project proponents, the report said, adding that penalties to the tune of Rs.44 lakh, Rs.1.21 crore, Rs.1.10 crore and Rs.2.11 crore was imposed on the four builders respectively. It was submitted by HWRA that has been making efforts to sensitize the developers extracting groundwater in Haryana to take NOC, permission by applying on the agency's portal. "HWRA has been able to bring more than 10,000 projected proponents on the portal and more than 5,500 applications have already been decided," the report said....