Sukhna catchment area may be declared eco-sensitive zone

Tata Camelot has already faced opposition from various quarters due to the location of the project. The architects in the city have raised objections to the fact that the construction of the residential towers that would spoil the view of the Shivaliks from the city and create burden on infrastructure.

Once an area declared as an eco-sensitive zone,there are certain activities that are prohibited,some are regulated and the others are permitted. Activities like mining,felling of trees would be prohibited. While agricultural activities would be allowed,permission would be needed for any kind of work to be carried out. For construction of any kind permission would need to be sought.

Of the catchment area of the Sukhna Lake,29 sq kilometres falls in Chandigarh,10.22 sq kms in Haryana and 2.77 sq kms in Punjab. The committee would have to consult the governments of the two states of Punjab and Haryana and include these in the recommendations.

An official of the Administration said that the committee constituted would study the catchment area and prepare a report in consultation with Punjab and Haryana. The report would then be submitted to the Centre for the final decision.