Sharma’s housing project has no green approval: Khaira
Sunday, 13/10/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131013/punjab.htm#2
Chandigarh : In what may give jitters to investors of Savitry Greens housing projects in Zirakpur being developed by SAD MLA and Chief Parliamentary Secretary NK Sharma, Congress spokesman Sukhpal Khaira today alleged that the project in Bishanpura village did not have the mandatory environment clearance while the one in Gazipur village was being set up on land acquired illegally.
In the second round of slugfest between Akali and Congress leaders on the alleged shady land deals, Khaira accused Sharma of having violated the Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1986, by constructing 650 flats in Bishanpura and of illegally occupying 25 acres in Gazipur village. Khaira said he would take the matter to the High Court. He alleged VN Sharma Builders (P) Limited, run by NK Sharma, allegedly started construction work at Bishanpura without obtaining environmental clearance. He produced documents showing that the government had asked the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to give him 15-day notice on January 28, 2013 to comply with the norms or face prosecution.
An assistant environmental engineer had visited the site on August 22 only to find that the construction of eight towers up to eighth level, two up to sixth level, one up to second level and basement level of five towers and 40 per cent finishing work of eight towers had already completed.
The PPCB then observed that the builder had made substantial progress on the project without obtaining the clearance and the government had already directed the board to launch prosecution under the EPA.
About the Gazipur project, Khaira claimed Sharma had purchased 25 acres of land from Mehma Singh who was not its rightful owner. He was a cultivator as per the revenue records and the division of land was challenged in the High Court that had granted a stay in the case, he alleged.
Khaira demanded a judicial commission into the land deals of politicians, bureaucrats and influential persons of the state. Khaira used unparliamentary language at the press conference by equating bureaucrats and officials with dogs. He said these people were being treated like dogs by Akalis.
Sharma, however, refuted the allegations. He said all the projects of NK Sharma group of companies had been initiated after getting due clearances.
Regarding land distribution at Gazipur project, he said all the persons concerned had deposed before the magistrate and given their statements. Land was transferred according to rules and regulations and no direction of the High Court was ever violated, he claimed.
Sharma said in 2010, the Financial Commissioner, Revenue, had decided the case for the division of land. He said he had already made it clear that he was ready for any probe into the land deals. He also welcomed the decision of the Punjab Government in ordering a probe into land deals in Mohali district.
Lashing out at Khaira for "trying to destabilise" his business, Sharma said he was consulting his lawyers and a defamation case would be filed against him.
Allegations
Started work on Savitry Greens project at Bishanpura without obtaining environmental clearance
Purchased 25 acres at Gazipur village from Mehma Singh who was not the rightful owner
The division of land was challenged in the High Court that had granted a stay in the case
