DDA's upcoming 'Lake city complex' project challenged in NGT

NEW DELHI: Delhi Development Authority's proposed redevelopment project " Lake city complex" in East Delhi was today challenged before the National Green Tribunal which sought Centre's response on the issue.

A bench of Justice P Jyothimani issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Ministry of Urban Development, DDA and Central Ground Water Board on a plea seeking a ban on the upcoming project.

The matter was fixed for further consideration on February 18.

According to the plea, filed by environment activist G L Verma, DDA announced a redevelopment project for developing nearly 25 acres of land for commercial purpose around a water body ( Sanjay Lake) under the name of Lake City Complex.

"It is proposed to be an integrated commercial and housing development complex located close to river Yamuna in Mayur Vihar Phase II. The project include shopping centres, hotels, sports clubs, housing and women's hostels and shall be flanked by Metro station. An adventure park is also proposed in the region of Sanjay Lake," the plea said.

Verma claimed that the project will shrink the catchment area which is needed to recharge the lake.

According to the petition, DDA has also announced setting up of three smart sub-cities with 20 lakhs flats in Dwarka, Rohini and Narela.

It has sought direction to review and re-assess the scheme of sub-cities in the wake of Delhi master Plan-2021 as it does not permit any construction within the region or catchment area of water bodies.

"By proposing to construct hotels, residential and commercial complex just within the region of Sanjay Lake, the shrinkage of seeping land is bound to result in steep decline in water level leading to its faster extinction.

"Direct the respondents to drop/withdraw its plan of 'Lake City Complex' near water body Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar," the plea said.