There are rules laid down by the Ministry of Environment to protect the environment. Any project, before the first spade is smashed in the land, has to have an EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) done. Big Companies do this for the project. Ramky was the one which made such a report for the Vasant Square Mall. Many objections were filed during the Public Hearing.

This was after the Vasant Kunj Malls Case, I was ready to let it go, however when i read the EIA, I just got too frustrated, for there was nothing but English in it.

Below is what I objected to. Rest Assured, no action was taken:

Member Secretary                                                                                      Dated: 04-Jul-2006

DPCC

ISBT Bldg,

Kashmere Gate

New Delhi

 

Objection to EIA Report submitted by Sun City Projects for construction of Vasant Square Mall and objections to the construction of the mall it self.

 

The EIA Report referred above has the following inherent serious flaws and false claims. I highlight these are follows:

 

1. It is claimed there water arrangement has been made from DJB. DJB has however not given any ascent to the mall on supply of water.
2. It is claimed that there is no Wild life present in the 10 kms radius. A false claim as in the Ridge Region Schedule 1 wildlife species exist. Please see CD along with my objections.
3. It is also claimed that there is no forest in the 10 kms radius: Sanjay Van, as claimed in the report exists in the 5 kms radius and a DDA bio-diversity park exists as well.
4. It is claimed that in the Operational Phase the vehicular emissions would kept to a minimum by ensuring that the Mall workers use “fuel efficient vehicles and well maintained vehicles having PUC certificate.” It is not considered that the 787 vehicles coming to the mall every day would also affect the air quality during operation phase.
5. Archeological sites: it is claimed that there are no archeological sites within the 5 kms radius and only qutab Minar is there. It fails to mention the various monuments protected by ASI between the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre and Mahipalpur village. Beyond which is also a protected forest (which is again not considered in the report).
6. Municipal Waste: It is claimed that the MCD would collect the waste generated. Please note that in the present scenario Vasant Kunj area is dirty as MCD is not doing their job. The garbage segregation machinery is not working. Hence this would add to the excess waste generated in this area.
7. Impact on Traffic congestion during operation phase is not even mentioned.
8. Impact on Noise & Air pollution during operation phase is not considered by the vehicles coming to the mall (also rebutted in point 4).
9. There is bound to be sewage generated by the malls. The sewage of Vasant Kunj is already being discharged in the Ridge area (a water recharge area from where the 71 % of water of Vasant Kunj comes) and the sewage from this mall would contribute to the contamination of the ground water.
10. It is shown that there is no Designated Water bodies in this region, however in the Key location plan there are two water bodies shown. Any water body designated or not comes under threat by the construction of the malls.
11. It is claimed that a Green Belt would be created. With most of the area being constructed any green belt would be of no use.
12. There is no detailed description of the rainwater harvesting system in the report.

 

 

 

General Objections:

 

First, that this mall has been started without the submission of the required clearances from DPCC and the public hearing is being held after construction has started. This is in total violation of all laws. This is a mockery of all laws of the country.

 

During the operation of the mall the following problems arise and there would be no merit in the operation of these malls:

 

1. 787 Cars in this area would be coming and would be taking away the peace of the area – Noise pollution would increase.
2. Noise pollution coupled with air pollution from the vehicles and DG sets will increase tremendously.
3. Water Sampling and Air pollution checking has been done at 3 locations of high traffic and pollution.  . With the mall being built there would be more such points where the noise pollution is above permissible limits and also air quality much below permissible limits. (For e.g. Outer ring road and nelson Mandela marg, Outer ring road and Aruna Asaf Ali Marg).
4. The area experiences traffic jams at all times of operation and this mall would further add to the problem. The roads surrounding this malls are too narrow and there is no way residents would be spared of traffic jams. There are exists to three pockets on roads which would be perpetually blocked.
5. Presence of many schools in this area – The impact of increase of traffic, air and noise pollution would bring to risk the children.
6. Vasant Kunj is known for its water tankers. Meaning that there is extreme shortage of water in this area. There is no way one can believe that DJB will give water to the malls instead of supplying to this malls. There would be a protest. As all the residents are already getting desparate!

 

 

This mall should not be constructed and no NOC should be given in view of the false claims in the report clearly indicating the mala fide intentions of the mall owners and the adverse affects it would have to the region.

 

All development activities affecting the quality of life in terms of living of people should be stopped. I hope that the Honorable Supreme Court also stops the Vasant Kunj Malls as with so many malls coming up the present peace and greenery of Vasant Kunj would be lost forever. Vasant Kunj would be made another Lajpat Nagar or GK.

 

 

Sincerely 

Uday Gosain

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