Lavasa moves HC, demands stay on MoEF notice

Says it had clarified stand to the state govt in October.

Lavasa Corporation, an arm of Hindustan Construction Corporation (HCC) engaged in development of a hill city in Maharashtra, moved the high court here today with a plea that the showcause notice served on it by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) be stayed. MoEF had asked Lavasa to maintain status quo at the site.

The petitioner has made Union Minister Jairam Ramesh, MoEF director Bharat Bhushan and the Maharashtra government as respondents. In its notice, MoEF had said the constructions at the site were in violation of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006. The notice issued on November 26 also stopped any construction and development activities till the company’s reply in the matter.

Besides, the company was asked to furnish the details of the project, including clearances obtained, status of the project with photographs/satellite images indicating the constructions as on March 18 and July 7 in 2004 and June14 in 2006. In its reply to the MoEF notice on Monday, the company had accused Ramesh of malafide intent, arguing the notice was issued to stall its Initial Public Offering plan. It also said the ministry had no jurisdiction in the matter.

Lavasa had said it was surprised over the MoEF move as it had already clarified its stand in October by providing necessary papers to the state environment department.

Commenting on Lavasa’s reply, Ramesh said there were some loopholes in it. The ministry was studying it further and a response would be given within the stipulated time, he added.