Environmental activists are crying foul over clearance given to Kalindi Kunj-Botanical Garden Metro link. Expressing concern over the development, they said that Metro construction will destroy natural habitat of hundreds of bird species and animals of Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The distance between the proposed Metro track and sanctuary is less than 200-metre from the sanctuary. They advocated environmental clearance from National Board for Wildlife (NBWl) before kicking off construction work as the area fall under eco-sensitive zone.
The activists have feared that if the authorities will carry construction activities, it will not only destroy the greenery of the region, but also prove a fissure for the birds and animals residing here. Unnecessary sound and noise produced during the construction period and later will also stop migratory birds and other species to reach the sanctuary. The proposed Metro bridge on Yamuna River will also harm the eco-system of the river as it is being built near to the sanctuary.
“The authorities’ decision to construct Metro corridor in the vicinity of the sanctuary is unfortunate as the area comes under highly sensitive zone which is home of scores of animals and birds. Although the DMRC denies requirement of environmental clearance either from Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) and NBWl in cases of Metro Rail Transit System (MRTS) projects, the clearance should be mandatory when project falls in 10-kilometre radius of eco-sensitive zone. If issue will not be addressed properly, we will move court to seek stay on the project,” said Vikrant Tongad, a Noida-based environmental activist.