DDA’s Vasant Kunj flats in green row

The Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) ongoing housing project at Vasant Kunj has hit an environmental hurdle.

The Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) ongoing housing project at Vasant Kunj has hit an environmental hurdle.

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The State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), Delhi has sought an explanation from DDA for initiating construction work at the project without its approval.

The SEAC is the environmental panel from where civic agencies have to get clearance for their construction projects.

The project is being readied to temporarily accommodate tourists coming for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

“DDA has violated environment norms by starting construction at Vasant Kunj without getting the mandatory environment clearance,” said C.R. Babu, SEAC chairman. “We have written to them seeking explanation for the violation.” After the SEAC approves projects, they are forwarded to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for final clearance.

The matter will be taken up again on September 4.

“We have found that Union Environment Ministry had last year closed the file related to the project after the DDA failed to provide additional information about water and power linkages,” said Babu.

Around 3000 flats in the high income group (HIG), middle income group (MIG) and low income group (LIG) are under construction at Vasant Kunj.

Due to paucity of hotel rooms, these flats would be used to accommodate tourists. After the Games, the flats will be sold off.

The Indian Tourism Development Corporation will furnish the apartments at par with international standards.