Violation of environmental norms by two projects in Mohali; Governor writes to CM Mann
Mohali News: Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwari Lal Purohit, in a letter to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has pointed out that janata land promoters limited is violating environmental norms between the construction of “Super Mega Mixed Use Integrated Industrial Park” at Sector 82-83 in SAS Nagar and construction of Galaxy Heights at 66-A.
He said that these lapses in the rules have been registered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.
Banwari Lala Purohit said that now it is necessary to take cognizance of the crime under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. He said that the civil authorities, Punjab Pollution Control Board and SEIAA of Punjab should be asked to take strict action against those indulging in illegal constructions violating forest rules. Along with this, a report has also been sought on the matter under this.
The disclosure came after the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conveyed its concerns to the Additional Chief Secretary, Chandigarh. The proposed construction site is located about 13.06 km from Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS) and 8.40 km from the boundary of City Bird Sanctuary.
The ministry’s communication is based on the orders of the Supreme Court dated December 4, 2006 and the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. These directions stipulate that activities or projects requiring environmental clearance (EC) located within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) or within 10 km of the unnotified ESZ limit require approval from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL).