DLF, HUDA project near NH 8 requires EC: HPCB tells NGT

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was today informed by Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB) that the road widening project of DLF and HUDA in sectors 55-56 of Gurgaon, which is embroiled in controversy over cutting of trees, requires environmental clearance (EC).
A vacation bench of NGT headed by Justice P Jyothimani directed the HPCB to file an affidavit stating that the project, near National Highway 8, requires environmental clearance, after real estate major DLF claimed the pollution control board's stand was "manifestly wrong in law".
Also, pursuant to the NGT's directions of June 3, DLF and HUDA today submitted their respective undertakings stating that they will not cut any trees in the area without the permission of the competent authority.

The bench also suo motu impleaded the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) as a party in the case and issued notice to it seeking its response on whether the project pertains to widening of the NH 8 or a sectoral road as claimed by DLF and Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA).
The NGT also directed Haryana government and HPCB to monitor the implementation of the undertaking given by HUDA and DLF effectively and report the same on the next date of hearing on July 10.
The tribunal's directions came on a plea by the residents of the National Media Centre (NMC), a housing society located there, who have challenged the cutting of trees by HUDA, DLF and Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS).

On June 3, the NGT had sought an undertaking from DLF and HUDA that they will not cut any more trees in the area without the permission of the competent authority.
The tribunal had also sought HPCB's response on whether environment clearance (EC) is required for the project, pursuant to which it today orally informed the NGT that an EC is needed and added that DLF and HUDA can apply for an EC "at this stage also".
This submission was vehemently objected to by the real estate major which said as the project pertains to widening of a sectoral road, no EC is required.