Panel to submit findings in Adarsh scam in April

The two-member quasi-judicial commission probing Adarsh scam, will submit its report to the state government early next month as it’s extension expires on March 31.

The report, in all likelihood, will be tabled in the state legislature.  The commission was set up in the wake of allegations that the 31-storey swanky structure constructed in Colaba was constructed on a plot reserved for Kargil War widows and heroes.

The furore over the alleged scam cost erstwhile chief minister Ashok Chavan his job following charges that he had manipulated rules to allow civilians, including his family members, to purchase in Adarsh Housing Society.

In 2007-2008, social activist Medha Patkar-led National Alliance People's Movement (NAPM) had raked up the issue on grounds that the entire 31-storey construction was in contravention of environmental regulations and Costal Zone Regulations (CRZ.)

The NAPM said that during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime, the contentious plot at Colaba in military possession was surreptitiously transferred from CRZ-I status to CRZ-II.

Thereafter, even as NAPM kept on raising the issue, the construction of the building continued and the controversy remained confined to street picketing and complaint letters by activists to various defence and environment authorities.

In October 2010, Adarsh sky-scraper suddenly found itself in the eye of the storm when allegations of “Kargil War heroes and widows” being used as a prop for grabbing land surfaced. Images of the Kargil conflict juxtaposed with images of sky-scraper and powerful politicians moved the nation.