New Delhi: In a setback to the Delhi Metro,
a heritage body has rejected its proposal to build an
automated parking lot near Delhi High Court following
objection from the NDMC which alleged that the DMRC went ahead
with the construction activities without requisite approval.
The Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) rejection came
after the NDMC in a recent meeting sought the Commission`s
intervention in the matter, pointing to the continued
construction of the parking site by DMRC for Delhi High Court
without DUAC and NDMC approval.
During discussions, the DUAC took note of a letter
written by the NDMC Secretary on November 4 to Lt Governor
Tejender Khanna and Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit about the
alleged violation of norms by DMRC.
The proposal which envisages the construction of a
multi-layered parking lot adjacent to the Delhi High Court is
mired in controversy since its inception in 2008 with
conservationists fearing threat to a historical tomb lying in
its vicinity.
However, a green panel had recently approved the project
after the state government said that the monument was not a
"protected" one.
But the project is now once again facing uncertain future
with the Commission noting that "the letter clearly mentions
that the DMRC began work at the site without a number of
clearances being obtained, including DUAC clearance."
"The letter also mentioned that the NDMC notice to stop
work was not complied with," sources said.
They said that the DMRC engineers defended themselves by
saying that the construction work was expedited in view of
the instructions of the Delhi High Court.
Coming down heavily on the DMRC, the DUAC said that it
is a statutory requirement that the proposal as per the DUAC
Act is formally approved by the Commission before construction
commences.
The Commission also took exception to the fact that
during its site visit in May the DMRC had "misinformed" it
about the stoppage of work and inspite of asking for an
explanation it has continued with construction work.
"Since the proponents/DMRC have failed to comply with the
Commission`s observations including about stopping
construction before sanction of the proposal is obtained, the
Commission has decided to reject it and return the proposal to
NDMC," the sources said.
PTI
