Thiruvananthapuram: The phase III expansion plan of the Technopark has yet again come under the scanner with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordering an inspection of the site by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF &CC), Regional Officer in Bengaluru and come up with a report.
A Joint inspection would be held on Monday by MoEF & CC, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) to investigate and report on the allegation raised by green activists.
The order comes in the wake of a complaint filed by Environmental Protection and Research Council (EPRC) alleging that the Dragonstone Realty Pvt Ltd obtained prior Environmental Clearance (EC) for the project by concealing material facts. The allegation is that the actual built-up area of the project was 3.49 lakh sqm, which would bring the project within the Category A and the party has given 1.33 lakh sqm in the application for Environment Clearance to bring the project in Category B for getting the environment clearance.
Sanjeev S J of the EPRC alleged that all these violations are happening right under the nose of authorities.
"Thettiyar Canal which is in the project site has been landfilled and in some parts, the canal has been diverted which is a clear violation. They got the environment clearance by furnishing false facts," Mr Sanjeev alleged.
Activist Thomas Lawrence, who filed a complaint with the NGT earlier against the mass destruction of wetland said that despite getting the order from NGT to restore these wetlands and the 10-acre pond which is being reclaimed rampantly, none of the authorities has taken any action. "Land filing is fast progressing despite getting the order," alleged Mr Thomas Lawrence.
Taurus Chief Operating Officer Anil Kumar said that the allegations are baseless and there is no violations happening. "We have the government order and have done nothing illegal. We have never seen the original complaint," said Mr Anil Kumar.
