New Delhi: The Environment Ministry has asked the Maharashtra government to take action against Lavasa Corporation for constructions at its hill project in Pune without green nod.
Lavasa Corporation is continuing construction despite a showcause notice earlier for violating green norms.
It has asked the Secretary of the Maharashtra Environment department to take action. The Ministry had ruled earlier this year that construction at Lavasa was in violation of the Environment protection act.
Environment clearance was needed in 2004 when only 5 per cent of project costs were incurred. Green clearance is needed for construction on hills above 1000 metres, which Lavasa exceeds. Changes were allegedly made in the first phase of project without sanction.
In a letter to the Maharashtra Government on Friday, the Union Ministry said that during an appraisal of request for green clearance for the development of 2000 hectares Hill Station Township "it was found that constructions/developments in 681 hectare area was in progress without obtaining prior environmental clearance."
Noting that it had earlier issued showcause notices on November 25 last year and 'final directions' on January 17 this year, the Ministry said the constructions/developments in the 681 hectare area 'are violations' of Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
The state government has been asked to inform the Union Ministry about the action taken at the earliest. The action comes even as the Environment Ministry prepares to make known its decision on the phase-I of the controversial project on June 15 when the matter comes up in Bombay High Court.
Lavasa also issued a statement in New Delhi welcoming the Ministry decision.
With additional inputs from PTI
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