Punjab Governor Writes to CM on JLP’s Environmental Violations

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, expressing concern over the alleged environmental violations by Janata Land Promoters (JLP) in its “Super Mega Mixed Use Integrated Industrial Park” and Galaxy Heights projects in Sectors 82-83 and 66-A SAS Nagar, Mohali.

In his letter, Purohit cited a clarification received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which found that the projects were under violation from December 16, 2015 (date of environmental clearance) to January 10, 2017 (ESZ boundary notification).

The Governor noted that the projects are located within 10 kilometers of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and City Bird Sanctuary, and that JLP had started construction without obtaining the necessary clearance from the Standing Committee of the National Wildlife Board (SCNWBL), as per the order of the Supreme Court and the guidelines of MoEFCC.

Purohit has advised the Chief Minister to direct the civic authorities, Punjab Pollution Control Board, and Punjab State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to take strict action against the violators.

The development comes amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of rapid development in Punjab. In recent years, there have been several reports of illegal construction and other violations in ecologically sensitive areas.

Key points of the letter, 

• Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, expressing concern over the alleged environmental violations by Janata Land Promoters (JLP) in its “Super Mega Mixed Use Integrated Industrial Park” and Galaxy Heights projects in Sectors 82-83 and 66-A SAS Nagar, Mohali.
• The Governor cited a clarification received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which found that the projects were under violation from December 16, 2015 to January 10, 2017.
• The projects are located within 10 kilometers of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and City Bird Sanctuary, and JLP had started construction without obtaining the necessary clearance from the Standing Committee of the National Wildlife Board (SCNWBL).
• Purohit has advised the Chief Minister to direct the civic authorities, Punjab Pollution Control Board, and Punjab State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to take strict action against the violators.