Developers of realty projects around sanctuaries emphasise that no one can challenge Ministry of Environment and Forest's clearance.
The state forest department, which has asked the real estate industry and project developers to follow standard procedure for approval of development in a 10 km radius of a sanctuary, seems to lack clarity.
Developers who have projects in the area are, though, firm in their opinion that if one has obtained permission from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), no one can challenge it. In case any authority is compelled to revoke the permission, then they have to offer an option.
Lakhs of people belonging to middle-income groups have invested in plotted development schemes around Nalsarovar and Thol in the last 15 years because of affordability of land price. However, they are in a tizzy because of the state forest department's GR and Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority's (AUDA's) recent circular which has not given development permission without the standing committee of National Wildlife Board.
The developer, who has plotted development scheme within five kilometre radius of Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, said that obtaining clearance from the MOEF is enough for going ahead with development. "We had obtained the certificate and I don't think anybody can challenge it," said Kishansinh Solanki, managing director of Om Earth Realty.
He said that the eco-fragile zone does not prohibit development in the area, it just restricts it. One can construct only as high as 27 feet and no hazardous waste or plastic waste should be produced in the zone.
Pankaj Shah, director of Synthesis Spacelinks, said that it is just one more clearance. "In case of eco-fragile zone, development permission can be given in area falling between five and ten kilometres of radius from the sanctuary. We do not have anything against conservation of wildlife or birds," said Shah.
The forest department officials also said that the department's clearance was required for getting land converted to non-agriculture (NA). The No-objection Certificate (NOC) was issued if the applicant fulfills 15 conditions. "Now couple of more conditions could be added to that list. We will provide the details of projects to the MoEF and they will take a final call," said the official.
Meanwhile, Solanki said that if any authority is under compulsion to revoke the permission issued, then they should come up with an alternate option. "We have sold out our projects to the end users. Moreover, other people have invested a huge amount in buying land. So, authorities should have to allot land at an alternate place," demanded Solanki.
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