The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed state authorities to approve the rough plan prepared by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) for constructing a 19-floor residential-cum-commercial building at Arumbakkam, Chennai.
The proposed project, which will have 304 dwelling units, is coming up on the banks of Cooum at an estimated cost of 400 crore. G Devarajan, a resident of Arumbakkam, had filed a case with the NGT stating that the project, with river on the northern side and Poonamalle High Road on the southern side, is prone for flooding and causing environmental damage.
He alleged that the environmental clearance and No Objection Certificate (NOC) obtained by TNHB is not in keeping with existing government rules and the board has encroached a portion of the river and baby canal for construction activities.
In response, state government authorities denied the allegations and informed the tribunal that the boundary of the TNHB land is 38 metres beyond the baby canal and it has recommended construction of retaining walls (based on scientific analysis by the PWD) to reduce the impact of flood.
When the case came up for hearing on Thursday, the tribunal directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to consider the modifications proposed by TNHB and impose further conditions, if any, to the already-granted environmental clearance and approve the board’s rough plan.
Though CMDA is not a party to the proceedings, in view of the river buffer zone and the measurements from the proposed retaining wall, the NGT has directed the state agency to consider the building permit once again as to whether it is within the norms and pass appropriate orders. During the case hearings, TNHB had voluntarily surrendered a portion of their land. The state revenue department and SEIAA has been told to make note of necessary modifications in their records.
