DDA's construction project hits green hurdle

Noting that the five proposals envisaging construction of residential units did not meet environmental norms, State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) in a recent meeting has enlisted a set of conditions including ban on extraction of groundwater for the DDA to implement before seeking its nod.

The DDA had proposed construction of 2,420 houses in Pocket-8, in Sector-23B of Dwarka with an aim to provide shelter to 12,100 persons. It plans to construct 41 building blocks.
Similarly, the agency plans to come up with 4,500 houses at Plot 1 (2,160 flats) and 2 (2,340 flats) at Sector-34 in Rohini to meet the housing needs of nearly 22,500 people while at Plot 3, the housing agency has proposed construction of 2,680 flats to provide shelter to 13,400 persons.

In Rohini's Plot-5 at Sector-35, the DDA has planned to build 28 blocks comprising 1,680 dwelling units to meet the residential needs of 8,400 persons while in Narela, it has sought clearance for 4,260 flats at Pocket III, Sector-G8 to meet needs of 21,300 persons. It has proposed construction of 72 blocks.

The SEAC has asked the housing agency to submit details of respective zonal plans as well as cost of projects, besides details on prefab technology it plans to use and layout plans for infrastructure and social facilities at the proposed sites.

The green panel has also made it clear that the project proponent will be not allowed to use groundwater during construction and operation phase. Measures will have to be taken to ensure storage of roof top runoff in underground tanks for reuse after treatment.