Force One forcing its way in forest

Force One, the anti-terror combat force set up by the state after 26/11 terror attacks, is in trouble for proceeding with the construction of a training centre in Aarey Milk Colony without ‘prior environmental clearance.’

A committee of the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has asked Force One to stop construction and “submit photographs from all sides to confirm the present status.”

It has also recommended action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

In a meeting on September 15, the state expert appraisal committee for MMR (SEAC-2) pointed out this violation even as it gave conditional clearance for the construction of eight buildings that will house the Force One headquarters.

“The plinth of administrative building was completed and foundation work of staff quarters’ building has been initiated but not exceeded 20,000 sqmt,” the committee noted in its first hearing in May. Hence, it directed the state environment department to look into the violation, that the department seems to have ignored.

Force One officials denied any violation. “All construction is being carried out within the parameters of the law. We will respond to the MoEF committee,” said Vinay Rathod, SP, Force One.