The petitioners allege that trees were being cut by the developers along with the help of police and BMC officials even though the matter is before the High Court and is sub-judice. However, following protests by the opposing members, the pace of activities had slowed down, the petitioners claim.
The members had in 2007 gone to court challenging the BMC’s decision to hand over the land for redevelopment. The petitioners claim that the land having a market value of Rs 1,500 crore was handed over for a meagre Rs 24 crore. The petition alleges that the bidding process was not transparent and the deal was the handiwork between the officials of BMC and the of fice bearers of the society.
The original petition had sought the withdrawal of the Letter of Intent given to the developer, Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) as well as Commencement Certificate. The court had then directed the BMC to give a hearing to the petitioners before demolishing the premises and kept the matter for final hearing.
The BMC heard the petitioners and passed an order in February 2008 approving the redevelopment contending that there was no interim protection granted to the petitioners by the court. One of the petitioners, Pankaj Thakker, alleged that trees were being destroyed even after a stay on demolition on the premises.
They also claim that the destruction is on even though a written request on the issue is pending before the Tree Authority. The petitioners say that the prime piece of residential plot measuring around eight acres and housing 32 chawls (320 tenants) was handed over to East West Builders.
They also claim that the property is unique as it was built during the pre-independent era and has 1000 big trees giving fresh oxygen to thousands of residents and pedestrians. The case will come up for hearing this week.
When contacted, President of the housing society Ravikant Dhanvade stated that there is no order staying the cutting of trees. “BMC had passed order to demolish the chawls stage wise. We have also got permission from the tree authority to cut trees,” Dhanvade said. Dhanvade states that they have got permission from the Environmental Control Board and BMC to cut 33 trees.
MD of East West Builders Anil Agarwal confirmed that the redevelopment project is going on as the court refused to grant an injunction to the petitioners.
“We have got the necessary permission for redevelopment and cutting of trees,” Agarwal said. The case will come up for final hearing next month.
URL: http://epaper.indianexpress.com/IE/IEH/2008/10/22/ArticleHtmls/22_10_2008_523_007.shtml?Mode=0