Gurugram Global City Environmental Clearance Under Investigation
The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has instructed the Gurgaon deputy commissioner to carry out a thorough investigation into the environmental clearance issued for the Global City project.This action follows a complaint by environmentalist SS Oberoi, who raised serious concerns about potential violations of the Forest Conservation Act and the Wildlife Conservation Act.
Oberoi’s complaint asserts that the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) might have provided misleading information to obtain environmental clearance from the central government.He questioned the project’s Terms of Reference, which describe the 1,000-acre site as “vacant with some scanty vegetation.” Oberoi contests this description, asserting that the land is home to approximately 32,000 trees and a diverse array of fauna.
In response to the complaint, SEIAA has referred it to the district-level monitoring committee for further examination and has requested an expedited report.The findings of this investigation are crucial, as they will determine whether the Global City project and other related developments can proceed as planned or require substantial modifications to protect the local ecosystem, in line with the environmental clearance conditions.
Oberoi also highlighted the potential environmental impact of the project, noting that the development could lead to the destruction of forest resources, wildlife, and natural resources such as wells and nullahs. He contested HSIIDC’s claim that no agricultural land is involved, emphasizing that forest resources would be destroyed along with wildlife and natural resources, which contradicts the environmental clearance requirements.
Additionally, Oberoi pointed out financial discrepancies, stating that HSIIDC was supposed to deposit Rs 7 crore for wildlife mitigation but had only paid Rs 2 crore so far. This claim was corroborated by another environmentalist, Vaishali Rana, who alleged that thousands of trees had been felled since the project commenced in February, despite the environmental clearance stipulations.
The investigation’s outcome will have significant implications for the future of the Global City project and other developments in the region. If the findings confirm the alleged environmental violations, developers may need to undertake substantial modifications to ensure the protection of the local ecosystem, in accordance with the environmental clearance guidelines.
The case underscores the importance of adhering to environmental clearance regulations and ensuring transparency in the approval process for large-scale development projects. The SEIAA’s proactive approach in addressing these concerns reflects a commitment to safeguarding the environment and maintaining ecological balance in the region.
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