Kochi project: Allegations baseless and unfounded, says DLF

Realty major DLF today termed as "baseless and unfounded" allegations that environment and CRZ clearances granted to its multistoreyed flat project here had infirmities.
Last month, as Opposition LDF in Kerala Assembly slammed the Congress-led UDF regime of showing 'undue favour' in regularisation of a flat complex built by DLF in Kochi allegedly violating CRZ norms, the state government quashed the clearance and asked the Chief Secretary asked to look into the matter.
Yesterday, the Kerala government constituted a 3-member committee to probe into alleged violation of CRZ norms by DLF.
"We deny such allegations as baseless and unfounded. We are a 65-year-old Group, highly compliant and follow all procedures and regulations while carrying out our business and operations", Sanjey Roy, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, DLF, said in a statement here.

DLF Ltd had purchased 4.99 acre land at nearby Vytilla in 2007 through proper title search and due diligence with prior ownership deeds and it was registered with Registrar of Land Documents.
Chief Town Planner of Kerala Government had confirmed in writing that the area was thickly populated residential area falling under Residential Zone of Cochin Corporation. "All our approvals for the project on the Chilavanoor river banks such as Building Plan, from Pollution Control Board, Environment & CRZ, and Fire License have been obtained after following the due process of law and applicable regulations. Construction has been carried out in accordance with our sanctioned building plan", Roy said.

The CRZ clearance was granted by Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority after due scrutiny and referred to Ministry of Environment and Forests and Kerala State Environment Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Roy added.

The SEIAA issued the project integrated Environment cum CRZ clearance after due examination following which DLF advertised in both vernacular and English dailies inviting objections, if any, within 30 day period. No objections were received, he said.
After receiving Environment cum CRZ clearance, DLF applied for fire license which was received, following which Cochin Corporation's Door Number/Occupation Certificate was received, the statement said.
"We are confident that after the company has been called upon to represent its case before any appropriate authorities, we will provide all documents and copies of permissions in order to demonstrate that there is no infirmity in any of our approvals relating to the project", he said.

The issue had its echo in the state assembly in the past few days with opposition Left Front charging that the government had extended "undue favours" to DLF realtors to regularise their flat complex.
Yesterday, while tabling the report of chief secretary, E K Bharat Bhushan, who went into the allegations against DLF, Revenue minister, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan announced the formation of the expert committee.