MoEF targets Chandigarh Housing Board chairman over eco-violations worth millions

The newly appointed Adviser to the Administrator, Rajiv Verma, has recently joined the Chandigarh office, and he is about to face significant challenges in one of his official roles as the Chairman of the Chandigarh Housing Board. Verma’s predecessor has left a complex situation for him to navigate.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Wildlife is poised to take action against the Chairman of the Chandigarh Housing Board concerning the ‘Illegal’ construction carried out in the Eco-Sensitive Zone under the Rajiv Gandhi Technology Park’s residential scheme in 2021, during the COVID period. The Chandigarh Housing Board is accused of initiating construction work in the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, an eco-sensitive zone, without obtaining the necessary permissions. Subsequently, the National Board for Wildlife rejected the project, resulting in the loss of millions of rupees.

As per the MOEF senior official, they had asked their office in Chandigarh to take action against the CHB Chairman for violating environment laws and report back to the ministry. As per the official, the ministry also have told the Administrator of UT Banwari Lal Purohit to initiate stern action against the all the officials who are responsible for these alleged violations.

Deputy Director General (Forest) Gobind Sagar from the Ministry of Environment, along with his team members, conducted a site survey on October 3, 2023, and submitted a status report to the Ministry, outlining the alleged violations. In the status report, it is mentioned,” Plot No.7

Located in Eco-sensitive zone of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, the plot number 7 is adjacent to the boundary of Haryana state. Topographically the area was observed as plain area with loamy soil having vegetation of Acacia nilotica and teak Tectona grandis. A small water body was observed on east side of the plot number 7. During the inspection no civil structure or any construction was observed inside the plot no.7, however cemented structures of sewer line, storm waterdrainage line and cemented cable duct were observed. These were constructed parallel to the kuccha road alignments just outside the boundary of plot number 7 running north to south probably made more than a year ago.

Plot No.1&2, Located in Eco-sensitive zone of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, the plots 1&2 are adjacent to plot 3 on east side and a village on south west side. Topographically the area was observed as plain area with loamy soil having vegetation of Prosopis juliflora and teak Acacia nilotica. A small water body was also seen on east side of plot (Map 2). During the inspection no civil structure or 3 any construction was observed inside the plot no.1&2, however cemented structures of sewer line, rain water drainage line and cemented cable duct were observed to these running adjacent to these plots. These were also constructed parallel to the kuccha road alignments probably made more than a year ago. During the inspection it was also observed that the exposed cemented structures were tried to be covered with soil using a JCB machine.

Expenditure totaling Rs 3,44,11,408 while overlooking the environmental laws: The Housing Board has allocated Rs 3,44,11,408 for the initiation of construction work on the R.C.C. cable trench (service duct) within the eco-sensitive zone. A substantial portion of this project has been successfully executed, encompassing activities such as excavation, installation of concrete pipes, and continuous pipe insertion utilizing machinery throughout day and night. Simultaneously, with the ongoing duct construction, an announcement has been issued for the General Housing Scheme in the eco-sensitive zone, outlining plans for the construction of approximately 26 towers on roughly 16.6 acres, comprising a total of 728 residential units.

Each tower is projected to reach a maximum height of around 22.63 meters, covering a cumulative area of approximately 122,126.319 square meters. The proposal includes the construction of two basements, with a combined coverage of about 46,409 square meters. In an effort to circumvent environmental regulations and facilitate the housing scheme, officials are actively pursuing the inclusion of the project under the Township and Area Development Project. Compliance with the law necessitates obtaining environmental clearance for construction exceeding 20,000 square meters.

Amid the lockdown, bulldozers were deployed within the eco-sensitive zone, significantly altering the landscape designated as such under the Rajiv Gandhi Technology Park’s residential scheme. Concrete has been laid over vast stretches of land, encompassing several kilometers.

This region falls within the eco-sensitive zone, mandating prior approval for any construction work under wildlife laws. Despite this requirement, it appears that environmental laws and regulations were overlooked. The Chandigarh administration had transferred approximately 123.79 acres of land to the Housing Board for proposed residential, commercial, and other structural developments.

Construction during the COVID-19 period: Remarkably, while Chandigarh residents adhered to lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials discreetly operated bulldozers within the eco-sensitive zone. The area, crucial for wildlife transit to the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, was then characterized by the constant movement of trucks transporting soil and construction materials. The resulting noise pollution has led to a substantial migration of animals, including deer and wild boars, from the region.