'Environmental violations' unearthed in Mohali; Super Mega Mixed Use Industrial Park, Galaxy Heights under legal scrutiny
Mohali, October 26: In a concerning environmental development, Super Mega Mixed Use Integrated Industrial Park project in Sector 82-83 and Sector 66-A, Mohali, along with Galaxy Heights project led by Janta Land Promoters Limited, is facing allegations of non-compliance with wildlife clearance regulations.
This revelation comes after the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), communicated its concerns to the Additional Chief Secretary of Chandigarh.
The proposed construction site is situated approximately 13.06 km from Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS) and 8.40 km from the boundary of City Bird Sanctuary.
_0c3b8364b38c30d34e02d523317448b5_1280X720.webp)
The ministry's communication is based on the Supreme Court's orders dating back to December 4, 2006, and the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. These directives stipulate that activities or projects requiring environmental clearance (EC) located within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) or within 10 km of an unnotified ESZ boundary must obtain recommendations from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL).
Shockingly, user agency, Janta Land Promoters Limited, initiated the construction of Super Mega Mixed Use Integrated Industrial Park without obtaining the necessary approval from the the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, as mandated by the Supreme Court's orders and the ministry's guidelines. Furthermore, the project has been found in violation of these environmental regulations from December 16, 2015 (the date of the grant of environmental clearance) until January 10, 2017, when the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) boundary was officially declared.
Punjab Governor has recommended that stringent actions be taken against those responsible for these violations of wildlife norms and unlawful construction. In addition, a comprehensive report on this matter has been requested.
The Governor has also written letters to the Administrator of UT Chandigarh and the Chief Minister of Punjab, highlighting the seriousness of the environmental compliance issue and the potential impact on the region's biodiversity.
- With inputs from our correspondent
