The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to 18 government agencies, including the Ministry of Urban Development, Delhi government, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi Development Authority and New Delhi Municipal Council, on a writ petition challenging the East Kidwai Nagar redevelopment plan.
The petition, which was heard by the court of Justice Manmohan, has alleged that the plan was made without considering environmental implications, road space or rights of residents.
The plea, filed by senior advocate Aman Lekhi, husband of BJP MP from New Delhi Meenakshi Lekhi, also raised numerous issues regarding construction of commercial and residential space in the area, arguing that it will block the Ring Road.
Lekhi argued that permissions for commercial use of residential area in South Extension was given ?without any application of mind?.
?Present petition is being filed by petitioners challenging the reckless decisions of the respondent authorities to further develop the area by launching new large-scale residential and commercial projects, in an already saturated vicinity, which has no scope for further development,? the plea said.
?The Metro station of South Extension and re-development of East Kidwai Nagar will increase the traffic on Ring Road ? between AIIMS and South Extension crossing ? resulting in choking of the approach to two major hospitals of the city, AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital. The traffic situation in this part of the city is already close to a breakdown,? Lekhi argued.
?According to the development plan brochure, over 3 lakh sqft of commercial space is being constructed. Where is the green area? Residents in South Extension cannot even enter the colony,? Lekhi said.
Meanwhile, the counsel for the National Building Corporation informed the court that the work had already started on the Rs 2,500 crore project to redevelop flats for government officials.
The court took serious note of the issues raised, and commented, ?It is not just a problem with just South Extension. There is more than 85 per cent built-up area everywhere, if you have a heart attack you will not even reach the hospital in time,? Justice Manmohan said. The court issued notice to all parties to file a detailed reply. ?How have you made this plan? Does the Delhi Master Plan permit this?? the court said.
The court refused to issue a stay on the work being done, but cautioned that any construction in the area will be subject to the outcome of the case.
The plea has also sought a comprehensive report from the environmental pollution control authority on impact of commercialisation, as well as a TERI report on sound and air pollution.