East Kidwai Nagar revamp under NGT scanner - The Hindu

NEW DELHI, November 17, 2014

AKANKSHA JAIN

Is NBCC's Rs 4,000 cr ‘architectural masterpiece’ environmental friendly?

As the swanky Rs.4, 264-crore vision for redevelopment of East Kidwai Nagar takes place the question on its adverse impact on the existing infrastructure and resources in the area — both natural and manmade — continues to loom. The project by the Ministry of Urban Development proposes to upgrade the pitiful matchbox residential accommodation of government employees by creating a self-sustainable sub-city.

Defence Colony resident Rajeev Suri moved the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking stalling of the construction work claiming the project has many environmental hazards and will put additional burden on resources in the already densely-populated area.

A NGT Bench headed by Justice P. Jyothimani reserved its order after hearing extensive arguments from Mr. Suri and project implementing agency National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), which maintained that the construction was being carried out in the most environmentally-sustainable manner.

The project, comprising 4,747 residential units from type II-VII in 7-15 storey blocks apart from one lakh square meter of commercial area covering 86 acres in the heart of the city adjoining AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Dilli Haat and INA Market, is expected to be completed in about five years.

Mr. Suri argued that all the soil being dug out for a three-level underground parking was being wasted. He also reiterated that it would affect the groundwater level, as water will not be able to percolate or recharge the aquifers. He said many trees were also being felled.

The NBCC, on the other hand, contended that it has left enough green area in the project. It also displayed the salient features of its project and said it has included measures such as water recycling, efficient use of electrical and solar energy etc. The Bench also asked the government agencies to place all necessary clearances for the work before it and also queried if the digging might pose any threat to the neighbouring buildings in the area.

On commercial space being given to shops, the NGT said it will make sure no such thing happens, while the NBCC counsel said the commercial complex comprises office space for ministries, government departments, PSUs, etc. The NBCC also stressed that it has taken care to retain green area around the Darya Khan tomb nearby by planning a central park. It said it has already started booking space and has received Rs.1,385.36 crore as booking amount.

A community of polluters?

Just the other day I was engaged in a conversation with the President DCWA, on overflowing garbage dumps at the entrance of our colony. Whilst a host of problems seemed to impede any substantial improvement in the present situation, help may be at hand from the green knight of environmental issues, the National Green Tribunal or the NGT. The Hindu ran an article on 27 February, a relevant portion is produced below:

“The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday asked the civic agencies “why in addition to a meagre fine provided under the Municipal Corporation Act in this regard, the Tribunal should not invoke the “polluter pay principle” and direct payment of much higher costs on throwing garbage, malba (debris)” on roads, in drains and even by the roadside.

The Tribunal also directed the municipal corporations “to ensure and take appropriate measures so that no garbage or debris is thrown into the drains in any of the colonies of Greater Kailash, Defence Colony, South Extension and all other colonies of Delhi”.

Whilst it’s not clear if the Tribunal intends to fine the Municipal Corporations, it will be invoking the principle of “polluter pays”. The polluters in such a case would be the residents of a particular area. This could spell both good news and bad news to us residents.

The bad news first: The NGT may just empower the Municipal Corporations with the right to impose heavy penalties on residents who pollute by throwing garbage in non designated areas. Translated into reality, it could also mean nominating the Welfare Association to ensure compliance of the NGT directive, failing which; the hefty penalty would be imposed on the Association. The other option would be Municipal sanitary inspectors would be unleashed in the Colony, who’d fine all and sundry at will; not a very inviting proposition!

The good news then; whatever route is adopted, the days of freewheeling garbage dumping seems to be coming to an end. With the NGT emerging as the environment watchdog, the Municipal Corporations, Resident Associations and Residents will all have to work in conjunction to keep the environs of our colony free from garbage. The time has come for us residents to consciously deliver trash in three forms biodegradable (e.g. green waste), non bio degradable (e.g. plastics etc) and recyclable (e.g. glass) etc. We wouldn’t like to wear the ignominious crown of being penalised as a colony of polluters, whatever form the penalty may be, instead we should be recognised a s a model community of ‘clean green environs’.

rajeevsuri.cbms@gmail.com

An anomalous relation:The Nullah Park & Public Toilets

The park over the Nullah has been inaugurated. Minister Ajay Maken was called in;presumably in a private ceremony consisting of the DCWA members, MCD Councillors & MLA's and select privileged others, the opening ceremony was completed. The residents, for whom this facility has been created, weren't invited, and remain oblivious of the opening ceremony. Since I too wasn't present, and thereby merely by conjecture, assume the inauguration must have entailed the usual hype and hoopla; bouquets, ribbon cutting, empty speeches, back patting and photographs. If the residents are lucky, the Samavada may carry some photographs in one of their issues.

As could be expected, the DCWA & the Nullah committee, would be quite pleased at the kudos and good press they'd be receiving for finally completing this ultimate project of Defence Colony. Our congratulations to them too, on persevering and finally achieving fruition.

However, irritatingly, construction continues despite the apparent completion and inauguration .On enquiring why walls were being raised at the entrance of the Colony, Ring Road side, one was horrified to learn from the construction workers that these walls are for public toilets, as part of the park.

Toilets?

At the entrance of Defence Colony?

Yes!

Our able DDA planners in conjunction with the DCWA in their wisdom have decided to place toilets meant for the entire length of the park at the least approachable furthest ends of the park, i.e. the entrances of Defence Colony. Just at the metal gates where the colony starts, public toilets are being constructed with gusto. Since these toilets are essentially meant for resident walkers and park visitors, it makes little or no sense to place the toilets at the farthest corners, less approachable by residents and more approachable by non-residents from Moolchand Complex, Andrews Ganj, juggi dwellers across, and other sundry individuals from the Ring Road

As a resident of Def Col for over four half decades, I was shocked, mortified and finally outraged. I asked myself, can we let this happen our colony; public toilet at the entrance ??????, followed by existing garbage dumps; visitors would be greeted first by dirty toilet stench, so familiar of all public toilets, and then by garbage stench, precisely at the entrances. I decided we mustn't let this happen, and taking matters in hand, I started by speaking to our association members;

1) I called the DCWA President General PS Malhotra, who said he'd "look into it"

2) I called the DCWA Vice President Wg Cdr BN Singh who had "no opinion" on the matter.

3) I called the Hon General Secretary Romela Dhawan, who knew about the toilets and their placement at the entrance, admitted it was done with the consent of DCWA, and said the toilets are being placed at the said location as they "didn't face our houses". I countered by asking, was it appropriate to have public toilets bang at the entrance of our colony? The answer was, as it was at the Ring Road end, it wouldn't affect the residents.

4) I called MCD Councillor Abhishek Dutt, who said he'd get back to me, .... still waiting !!

5) I called AAP MLA Madan Lal, who said since DCWA has given its approval....t but he'd speak to the appropriate authority and get back to me.......still waiting!!

And so on....calls to whoever mattered, but I haven't received an affirmative answer as yet.The effort continues....

Since this a matter that can mar the character of our colony in perpetuity, I would say:"now is the time for all good residents to come to the aid of their colony"

So all good people, please urgently take this matter up by generating awareness amongst neighbours and friends to prevail upon DCWA to scrap this ill conceived project.

rajeevsuri.cbms@gmail.com
 

Vintage Car Rally 1st Feb 2014 at Red Fort Delhi

rajeevsuri.cbms' photostream on Flickr.