HC to decide fate of Lavasa project on Friday: Ramesh

The fate of Lavasa's phase I Hill City Project in Pune will be known on March 25 when the Environment Ministry will submit its recommendations to the Bombay High Court.

The fate of Lavasa's phase I Hill City Project in Pune will be known on March 25 when the Environment Ministry will submit its recommendations to the Bombay High Court.

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"Lavasa (case) is coming up in the Bombay High Court on Friday, March 25," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told reporters when asked about the fate of phase I of Lavasa's Rs 3,000-crore hill city project.

An Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has considered the application for the phase I which involves 2,000 hectares, he said.

"They (EAC) have made certain recommendations, which we have accepted. And that is being presented in the court on March 25," Ramesh said on the sidelines of a function here.

Lavasa had applied afresh for environmental clearance for the first phase in February after the Environment Ministry had held that the controversial project was "unauthorised" and had directed Lavasa Corporation Limited to maintain the status-quo at the construction site.