Chandigarh Housing Board makes third bid for IT park project approval

Chandigarh's beleaguered IT Park residential project may see a glimmer of hope as the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) makes another attempt to revive it by seeking clearance from the wildlife board. In a recent development, the CHB has submitted a comprehensive report from a bird expert, asserting that the project does not obstruct the migratory birds' direct flight path. The report also assures that utmost care will be taken during the project's design and implementation to safeguard the interests of the avian population.

This move comes after the CHB faced two previous setbacks in obtaining approval for the project. Last December, the CHB submitted a revised proposal to the National Board for Wildlife (NBW), but it was returned by the UT wildlife department without being forwarded to the NBW. The wildlife department deemed the submission insufficient to warrant a fresh presentation to the NBW based on previous arguments.

The CHB had argued that the project lies beyond 1.25 km of the Sukhna eco-sensitive zone, which allows for the construction of new buildings and houses in accordance with the existing Chandigarh Administration Building Bylaws and Architectural Control/Zoning regulations.

Earlier, in October of the preceding year, the NBW rejected the project, citing its interference with the migratory bird path. The NBW further expressed concerns about the detrimental impact of waste, noise, and air pollution on the sanctuary and its avian inhabitants.

The IT Park site spans 123 acres and includes three plots where the CHB intends to develop multi-storey group housing societies. Plot 1 and Plot 2, located 1.56 km away from the Sukhna wildlife sanctuary, are part of the project. Similarly, Plot 7, which is 1.52 km away from the sanctuary, falls within the protected area, covering approximately 9 hectares.

In a positive turn of events, last June, the state wildlife board, headed by UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit, granted clearance to the scheme. The board unanimously agreed to forward the proposal to the National Board for Wildlife for the necessary final clearance.

The CHB's renewed efforts to secure wildlife board clearance reflect its determination to revive the IT Park residential project. While the project's fate still hangs in the balance, the recent submission of the bird expert's report and the board's assurance of taking necessary precautions may provide a ray of hope for its proponents. The decision of the wildlife board, particularly the National Board for Wildlife, will be critical in determining the future of this ambitious undertaking.

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Chandigarh Housing Board makes third bid for IT park project approval

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