MPCB sees red over slum project

In what is probably the first case of its kind in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a show-cause notice to the builder of a mega slum redevelopment project in Worli. Reason: the project, the Mahalaxmi SRA Cooperative Society, does not have the required environmental clearance. SRA is short for Slum Redevelopment Authority, the agency that sanctions slum redevelopment schemes in the state.

The slum in question is near the Doordarshan centre and is spread over four plots adding up to a total of 71,763 square metres. It is supposed to have 1,148 houses, 21 commercial premises, and 11 residential-cum-commercial accommodation.

Social activist Simpreet Singh informed the MPCB about the project. He is planning to lodge a complaint against the builder. The MPCB issued a show-cause notice to Omkar Realtors and Developers Pvt Ltd on August 1. But the builder, Babulal Verma, said he did not know anything about the notice. He also said he had all the permissions required for the project.

According to the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, it is mandatory for every builder to obtain prior environmental clearance for developing any plot measuring over 20,000 sq metres.

In its notice, the MPCB has asked the builder the reason for not obtaining the required permission from the department of environment and forests. The board has further asked why legal action should not be initiated against the builder under the relevant section of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

To add to the issue, many slum dwellers claimed that the builder demolished some houses and plans to make the residents ineligible for the reconstructed houses under the SRA scheme.