Activist moves HC to stop work at Sahara’s Aamby Valley project

MUMBAI: An activist is seeking suspension of construction at the Aamby Valley project promoted by the Sahara Group for alleged non-possession of necessary environmental clearances at the 10,000-acre real estate project near Pune.

The project does not have necessary clearances from the Central government, alleged a petition by YP Singh in the Bombay High Court on behalf of activist Amit Maru. Sahara India Commercial Corporation, Aamby Valley, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, the Maharashtra Urban Development Department, and Tata Power are among respondents.

The petition seeks to stop construction at the site, disconnection of water and electricity supply to the residents and offices at Aamby Valley, a luxurious project commenced in 1995. The area is still being developed.

“Entire Aamby Valley project including the airport has received environmental approvals from government of Maharashtra,’’ said Singh. “However, it is not the competent authority for granting the same and the statutory powers were with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi.”

Aamby Valley’s airport for a 50-seater aircraft was inaugurated by the Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel in February.

A Sahara Group spokesperson declined to comment for the story.

At Aamby Valley, the Sahara Group has developed around 15 million sq ft of saleable area. It has laid 85 km of roads, an airport with a 1,200-mt runway, 12 power stations and three dams.