Bhopal Babu asks, why me?

Chief Conservator of Forest says Maharashtra government has powers to take necessary action in Wankhede violation of environmental conditions case

Bhopal Babu asks, why me?

Chief Conservator of Forest says Maharashtra government has powers to take necessary action in Wankhede violation of environmental conditions case

Whether or not Mumbaikars get to see a World Cup match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is in the hands of officials in Bhopal. In a letter dated February 21 to the Chief Conservator of Forest (Ministry of Environment and Forest), Bhopal, State Environment Secretary Valsa Nair Singh has quoted allegations raised by RTI activist Amit Maru against environmental norm violations in the reconstruction of the stadium. Singh has asked the concerned authority to inspect the site and take action.

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SMD had carried an article about Maru's February 8 letter to Singh on February 27 ('Wankhede not ready for World Cup') citing the environmental violations. A K Rana, Chief Conservator of Forest, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Western Region, Bhopal said, "I have received the letter and will respond by Monday or Tuesday. The Maharashtra government can take necessary action under the Environment Protection Act.

I wonder why they have put the ball in my court." When contacted, Singh said, "I haven't received official communication from Bhopal and I am not aware of the powers they are referring to."

IPS officer turned lawyer Y P Singh, representing Maru in the case said, "Violation of environmental norms can put a person behind bars for five years under the provision of Section 15, Environment Protection Act. Till the compliance report to environment clearance is given, occupation certification cannot be given, which puts a question mark on the World Cup matches to be played there."

He added, "Both authorities have been given concurrent power. The Central government has delegated powers under Section five of the Environment Protection Act to the State government. Chief Conservator of Forest, Bhopal, has also been given the power to monitor the compliance of norms."

He explained that the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest in their Environmental and CRZ clearance for reconstruction of North and South stand order dated June 12, 2009, were subject to five conditions. All these conditions have been violated during reconstruction.

These include providing parking for 3,370 cars, implementation of the Disaster Management Plan and Evacuation Plan, refraining from commercial activity, provision for internal parking to ease traffic congestion, and adherence to the provisions of CRZ notification dated February 19,1991.