NGT notice to Centre on multi-level car parking in Khan Market

A city resident today moved the National Green Tribunal opposing the construction of a multi- level car parking facility in the Khan Market here, prompting the green panel to seek a reply from the Centre.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the Environment Ministry, Ministry of Urban Development, Lieutenant Governor, New Delhi Municipal Council, Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and others while seeking their responses by May 31.
The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by South Delhi resident Sanjay Gupta alleging that the parking lot was being developed by damaging the green cover and chopping off trees at the Amrita Shergill Marg adjacent to the market.

"The construction of the proposed multi-level parking is sought to be done at the expense of green areas of 'Griha Kalyan Kendra', which are quintessential to enjoying a wholesome life by all the residents of the surrounding areas who use the green areas around the community centre for their daily exercises," the plea, filed through advocate Rohan Jaitley, said.
The plea said a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment study should be carried out by the Environment Ministry before commencing the project.
It contended that the authorities have conducted no feasibility regarding the impact of the multi-level parking which is being created by uprooting the green area meant for public use and the project has been sanctioned "without any application of mind".

NDMC has started working on the much-awaited underground multi-level parking lot on Amrita Shergill Marg to ease the congestion and traffic snarls plaguing the major shopping hub.
The construction was started in pursuance to a Delhi High Court order asking the civic body to solve the parking problem in the area on a petition filed by traders.