Click to play videoMumbai: The Environment Ministry, in an affidavit submitted to the Bombay High Court on Tuesday, said the Lavasa hill project violated several environmental norms – but said it could consider approving the project on certain conditions.
Walking on a collision course, Jairam Ramesh, through the report, has clearly stated that the multi crore ambitious project of Lavasa coming up near Pune is unauthorised and environmentally damaging.
In a strong indictment of Lavasa, the report stated that the construction activity was unauthorised and in violation of EIA notifications of 1994 and 2004.
The report suggested payment of substantial penalty and creation of environment restoration fund by Lavasa for the violation of environmental laws.
The report also called for imposition of strict conditions to ensure no further environment damage may be done.
And till such conditions are met, no construction will be allowed to take place at the site.
But, Lavasa has hit out at the Environment Ministry and said that the ministry's order misrepresents the state of affairs at the site.
The report is amplifying minor faults to justify stop of work at site, said the company.
Lavasa has also accused the ministry of siding with activist Medha Patkar and her supporters.
However, the activists, who led the agitation, have welcomed the decision.
"I am happy that whatever we were saying, the committee has found the same thing," said activist Bishambar Chaudhary.
But the project doesn't have just green concerns; it has huge political ramifications - indicative perhaps of the power struggle between the Congress and its ally the NCP.
In fact, Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule of the NCP have come out openly in support of the project.
"It's a huge investment, which effects thousands of people and has created lots of jobs and opportunity for locals and the locals are for the project," said Sule.
As the battle lines become clearly drawn out its now upto the Bombay High Court to settle the matter.
But unlike the Adarsh case, in which the HC has ordered demolition, one small window remained open for Lavasa.
Ramesh has stated that Lavasa can re-apply if they meet all terms and conditions - a step perhaps taken to silence his critics who have accused him of being anti-development and against India Inc.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
TOP NEWS
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
