Tata housing project in Sukhna opposed; SC seeks Centre's reply

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today sought responses of the Centre and Punjab government on a plea against Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision to allow Tata to go ahead with its housing project coming up near Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh.

A bench headed by Justice R M Lodha issued notices and sought responses from the Centre, Punjab government, Archaeological Survey of India, Union Territory of Chandigarh as well as Tata Camelot Housing Colony after advocate appearing for Tata assured the company will maintain status quo regarding its project.

The order came on a special leave petition filed by Chandigarh residents who have challenged the High Court's decision to allow the Tata Camelot Housing Project coming up in the catchment area of the lake.

The city residents in their plea have alleged the project coming up on the northern periphery of Chandigarh is not in conformity with the "vision" of Le-Corbusier, the city's architect.

They have also alleged the Nagar Panchayat Naya Gaon Master Plan 2021, under which the project is permitted, "was tailor-made to suit the needs of the respondent/builder".