Kempegowda Layout: KSPCB notice to Bengaluru Development Authority

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) may have been making necessary preparations to allot sites at Kempegowda Layout by calling for applications, but the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has slapped a notice against the BDA for failing to comply with necessary environment clearances.

According to KSPCB sources, the BDA has started work on formation of layout and civil works like roads and drains by floating tenders and some of the works are on the verge of completion. But the BDA is yet to apply for the environment clearance before the commencement of the work.

For any layout project involving over 10 acres of land it is mandatory for the agency or the organisation to obtain Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and environment clearance from the KSPCB. The BDA must provide a detailed plan on sewerage treatment plant, its capacity and the extent of area on which the plant is proposed.

After going through the details the KSPCB would suggest corrections, if any, a KSPCB environmental engineer said. Since it is a public project involving tax payers’ money there are chances of some people challenging the shortcomings, said the officer.  “Besides, the BDA must also give drawings and details on the organic waste converter. The BDA which is in the business of layout formation must follow this strictly. Even before work began on layout these approvals must be obtained. Failing which public will object and delays the progress of the layout,” he added.

The BDA and Karnataka Housing Board carrying out projects at different locations do not apply for the necessary environment clearance, unless notices are slapped, he added. BDA commissioner T. Sham Bhat told Deccan Chronicle that he has directed the officials concerned to comply with the environment norms and said they would be obtained. He assured that the progress of the layout work would not be affected and sites will be formed as planned.