Shimla: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.
IANS
Rightly said. The problem is not only limited to Shimla but it exists in other towns of Himachal as well. For instance if you consider the town of Hamirpur, in recent years a lot of unplanned constructions has taken place in surrounding areas mainly on agricultural land, and it is still going on. No heed is paid for any kind of planning by individuals. And I am not sure what role does a Municipal Corporations has to play, but its high time that they come up with some policies regarding these constructions.