HC asks LG to revisit plan for South Ex

NEW DELHI: Observing that the existing infrastructure of road, water and electricity in south Delhi is already "severely overburdened", the Delhi high court on Thursday requested the lieutenant governor to revisit the commercialization and redevelopment project in Kidwai Nagar and South Extension-II and analyse its impact on existing infrastructure.
"Consequently, the LG is requested to revisit the project and analyse its impact on existing infrastructure as well as lives of residents in the neighbourhood in particular with regard to noise, air pollution as well as traffic congestion. Remedial measures, if any, like augmentation of infrastructure should also be examined by the LG," Justice Manmohan said after the counsel appearing for Delhi government informed that the LG has consented to examine the concerns of the residents in the neighbouring areas.
The HC observation came during the hearing of a plea filed by senior lawyer Aman Lekhi seeking directions to the authorities to restore the residential nature of South Extension area and its adjoining places in south Delhi. The plea opposes the clearance given by authorities including New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to construct over one lakh sq m of commercial space in the area, where residential construction was proposed earlier.
In its order, the court said that a senior member of all the agencies, involved in the project, will remain present before the LG on July 26 to assist him in the case. It also said that NDMC be also made a party to the case as it had sanctioned the project plan.
During the hearing, Justice Manmohan rapped government agencies for ignoring health and hygiene of common people and showing interest only in getting clearances for commercial construction projects. "It (infrastructure) is already crumbling. We are all lost. The babus only see the size of the windows and size of the staircases. No one is worried about the health and hygiene of the people of the area. We are only concerned with our plan and how it gets the approval. No one is looking at the larger public interest. You have to see problem of the each and every individual of the society," the single bench said.
During the proceedings, senior advocate A S Chandiok submitted that for at least one year, there is no possibility of handing over the possession of any portion of the project to any third party. Taking his statement on record, the court it is not passing any further interim order and fixed the matter for hearing on September 29 after the LG takes a decision.