Central team ends Lavasa visit; developers open to corrections

The Central Environment Ministry Committee, deputed to inspect the Lavasa Lake City site near here for alleged violations, today completed its three-day visit even as as the controversial project's developers said they were open to "corrections" in it.

While the 11-member panel of Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) headed by Naresh Dayal did not hold any briefing on the inspection conducted on directions of Bombay High Court, Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) Chairman Ajit Gulabchand told reporters that "we are open to necessary corrections in case of possible environmental violations".

HCC is constructing the multi-crore project through its subsidiary Lavasa Corporation.

Elaborating on his willingness for "corrections", Gulabchand, however, added that the Rs 4,000 crore project should remain "viable" and should not be left in "limbo".

Asked whether the committee members were satisfied with their presentation, he said, "We answered all their questions. Whether it was satisfactory or not it is for them to say."

He said the committee had not pointed out any mistakes in the project and they had come only to study it.

"We are not saying it is perfect. Improvement is possible," the Lavasa Corp Chairman said about the hilltop project about 50 km from here, which has attracted allegations of violation of environmental norms by activists including Medha Patkar.

He rejected a suggestion that there was political involvement in the project, started in 2004, for which the site was reportedly chosen by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

Gulabchand said Pawar was only interested in "creating tourism" in the lake district (Pune).

He also rejected the charge that the mega project, to be completed in four phases, would adversely affect water supply to Pune city.

The committee, during its visit, heard both pro and anti-Lavasa activists and also met Patkar and noted social worker Anna Hazare, who are opposed to the project where construction work has been stayed by MoEF.

The panel's report is to be submitted to Bombay High Court by January 10.