The controversial Adarsh Cooperative Society building in Mumbai’s Cuffe Parade now faces a real danger of being demolished, at least partially, with the Environment Ministry having concluded that the 31-storey tower violated Coastal Regulation Zone rules.
The Ministry is all set to issue a show-cause notice to the society, asking why portions of the building that are in violation of the laws should not be demolished.
The decision to issue the show-cause notice came after the ministry scrutinised papers sent by state government agencies relating to clearances given to the building.
The building was initially supposed to have only six floors but was later elevated up to 31 floors, allegedly at the behest of corrupt officers and politicians who pocketed flats for themselves or their relatives in the society.
The controversy surrounding the building has already engulfed Ashok Chavan, who was forced to resign from the chief minister’s post following revelations that some of his relatives had been allotted flats in the building.
Sources in the Environment Ministry told The Indian Express that the option of demolishing the illegal part of the building —sixth floor upwards — was not just a warning but a real possibility.
But the ministry also wants to give the society a
chance to present its case. The ministry was said to be considering other steps as well that can be taken to
penalise the society.
After Maharashtra’s Environment Department and the Coastal Zone Management Authority, the state Urban Development Department also submitted a report to the Environment Ministry on the building.
Sources said based on the evidence contained in
these papers, it was clear the building was in violation of
the laws.
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