Counter filed in Isha foundation case

A counter affidavit was today filed by Deputy Director of Town and Country Planning, Coimbatore Region, in the Madras High Court stating that Isha Foundation had constructed buildings with "alarming" plinth area, without obtaining approvals from competent authorities.
The affidavit was today filed in connection with a PIL by Vellingiri Hill Tribal Protection Society to restore the wetlands by demolishing the unauthorized construction constructed by the Coimbatore-based Isha Foundation situated at Ikkarai Poluvampatti Vilage, Perur Taluk, Coimbatore District.
In the counter, it was confirmed by the authorities that the village comes under the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA).
The counter said locking and sealing and demolition notice had already been served on the unauthorized construction to an extent of 109 acres for the purpose of establishing Isha Meditation Lingam Religious Workshop and its connected buildings.

It was further submitted that the Town and Country Planning Authorities had directed the Foundation to submit all details for the purpose of establishing 112 foot statue of Lord Siva, and its connected buildings (mandapams) along with plans to obtain permission from the HACA.
The statue of 'Adiyogi' was consecrated on February 24.