MoEF does U-turn on Maya memorial

Now,the ministry is armed with documents ranging from impact assessment study reports to views from bird conservation specialists,the Wildlife Institute of India and expert consultants on the projects environmental impact.

Given the gravity of the matter concerned and the complex nature of the project along with its impact on the surrounding biodiversity and its proximity to the Okhla bird sanctuary,the MoEF needs to get the measures recommended by three institutions,vetted by an appropriate body possessing the requisite expertise,particularly in the field of wildlife preservation and biodiversity, the affidavit filed by the ministrys Assistant Inspector General Uma Kant through advocate Harris Beeran says.

The MoEF informs that an Expert Appraisal Committee of the ministry has already reviewed the expert reports in its meeting held on June 28-29,2010.

The MoEF will now move to examine the matter further in an integrated and holistic manner before arriving at a final and conclusive decision, the affidavit concludes,clearly seeking more time from the Supreme Court.

On the other hand,the October 2009 affidavit on record with the Supreme Court says the project,by its size and girth,does not fall even within the threshold limit mandatory to trigger off an impact study of a project.

Tuesdays affidavit is to be heard on Friday July 23 before the Green Bench led by Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia,who has cautioned parties against adjournments in the case. The CJI had chosen Mayawatis case as first in the list of environmental matters to be heard by him.

The apex court on October 9,2009 had stayed construction and masonry work at the park on a plea by the court-appointed Central Empowered Committee.