Union Environment ministry gives clean chit to DLF

Union Environment Ministry today gave clean chit to builder and developer DLF in a case related to the alleged violation of Coastal Regulatory Zone while constructing an apartment on the banks of backwaters in Chelavannur near here.
In an affidavit filed before the Kerala High Court, the ministry informed that the project proponent has not violated the coastal regulation norms.
Citing the recommendations of the various state government agencies dealing with environmental issues, the Ministry said, "the project proponent has adhered to the conditions laid down by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority and have not violated any of the provisions. The said constructions are technically as per the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 1991 and Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006," it said.

In December 2014, the Kerala High Court had directed DLF to demolish certain portions of its apartment complex, constructed on the banks of the Chilavanoor backwaters here in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone norms.
Justice A V Ramakrishna Pillai had issued the direction while disposing of a petition by A V Antony of Kochi against the construction alleging that there was violation of CRZ norms.
The court had directed DLF to stop all further construction as per the permit granted by Kochi corporation.
The builder challenged the single Bench order and obtained stay from the division bench of the High Court.

The High Court had suo-motu made the Ministry of Environment and Forest a party in the case.