Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Environmental Violation Notice to DLF & Himachal Govt
Acting on a petition alleging serious environmental violations in allowing a private realtor set up an ultra-luxury housing project here, the Himachal Pradesh High Court Monday issued notice to the state government and Delhi-based real estate giant DLF.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Sanjay Karol directed the state revenue and forest secretaries, the Shimla Municipal Corporation, the project executing agency Bemloe Development and Infrastructure Company and DLF to file their reply before next date of hearing on Oct 31. It also directed the principal chief conservator of forests to clarify as to “what is the amount spent in construction (of the road linking to cottages) and the position on required clearances from authorities”.
The judges also directed the union environment ministry to clarify whether the construction of the road undertaken till now has any adverse impact on environment. The petition was filed by two Shimla residents - Kuldeep Singh Tanwar and Tikender Singh Panwar. They alleged that the upcoming cottages are located in a thick forest area and Bemloe Development has felled dozens of trees overnight. The Congress has been alleging that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has favoured the realtor to set up the project. State Congress president Kaul Singh has said since Shimla is facing a water shortage, besides traffic chaos, such projects would only add to the woes of the people.
The judges also directed the union environment ministry to clarify whether the construction of the road undertaken till now has any adverse impact on environment. The petition was filed by two Shimla residents - Kuldeep Singh Tanwar and Tikender Singh Panwar. They alleged that the upcoming cottages are located in a thick forest area and Bemloe Development has felled dozens of trees overnight. The Congress has been alleging that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has favoured the realtor to set up the project. State Congress president Kaul Singh has said since Shimla is facing a water shortage, besides traffic chaos, such projects would only add to the woes of the people.
