SC restrains construction of memorials in Noida

The Supreme Court on Friday restrained the Uttar Pradesh government from carrying out building and construction activities for the installation of statues and memorials of Dalit icons, including Chief Minister Mayawati, at a park in Noida adjacent to the national capital.

However, the apex court allowed the Noida authorities to continue with other works of the multicrore projects. Special Forest Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices S H Kapadia and Aftab Alam posted the matter for further hearing on October 26.

The bench declined the plea of Uttar Pradesh government to allow the continuance of the work on the ground that 75 per cent of the work has been completed.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state government, wanted an adjournment of the hearing on the ground that he was appearing for the first time in the matter and wanted time to respond to the CEC report.

The Supreme Court-appointed committee had recommended stoppage of construction work at Noida's Bhim Rao Ambedkar Park for violating environment norms.

The report, submitted to the apex court, had also said the construction activity would have an adverse effect on the surrounding ecosystem as it is located within 10km of a protected bird sanctuary in Okhla.

It is a very big project and a large number of trees (6,000) have been pulled down to execute the Rs 685-crore project. The government should have sought environment clearance before starting it, the committee said while recommending a ban on further activity.