The required environment clearance for any Government or non-government constructions is “barely” a document as in a fresh reply on Monday, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change confessed that the environment clearance given for AIIMS expansion (755 beds) and Air India Colonies in Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Vasant Vihar was issued without conducting assessment on traffic, water management and pollution.
In a response to Society for Protection of Culture, Heritage, Environment, Traditional and Promotions of National Awareness (CHETNA) query, a Group D Scientist said environment clearance was granted for AIIMS expansion without considering the facts.
The Group D Scientist wing of the Union Environment Ministry said the supply of water for the construction is a major issue as the groundwater table in Delhi has already depleted to an alarming stage.
The Union Ministry’s reply says, “Delhi Jal Board is unable to supply water to Dwarka, Rohini and new pockets in Vasant Kunj, etc, and supplying water for projects is an issue.”
The Ministry added the new GRPA colonies being developed by NBCC are subject matter of challenge before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Delhi High Court.
The Ministry says, “Traffic congestion would further multiply at AIIMS.”
The Union Ministry said the study conducted by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) clearly pointed out high noise levels in this area and very high levels of Sox, NOx and NO2 levels that are dangerous for human being. But no prior assessments were made. The Ministry asked NBCC to file detailed report on water, traffic and pollution before going ahead with the project.