By IANS,
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Monday gave a clean chit to a private builder constructing an ultra-luxurious housing project in the state capital.
Responding to a query raised by Congress member Mukesh Agnihotri in the assembly, Dhumal said: “No violation or irregularity has been committed by the realtor and every thing has been done as per the rules.”
“However, the government is ready for a probe by any agency, including judicial inquiry. Even a committee of Congress members can visit the spot to find out whether the trees were axed there or not,” he said.
As the question hour was over, Agnihotri raised the issue, saying that the builder, Bemloe Development and Infrastructure Company, has committed irregularities by recklessly axing a number of trees overnight.
It has been granted permission to construct the cottages amidst the town’s thick wooded area.
When Urban Development Minister Mohinder Singh insisted that all rules and regulations were followed by the government in the case, Agnihotri insisted that there were violations.
There was ruckus in the house for a few minutes after Agnihotri’s statement.
Dhumal said the realtor has not felled any tree and it has even not sought permission to cut trees.
“Thirty-seven fully grown trees are standing on the private land on which the builder is constructing the cottages. One felled tree was reported at the site and the government has initiated action in this regard,” the chief minister said, adding “we have no interest with the builder”.
Another Congress member Kaul Singh questioned the government decision to allow the builder to build cottages in Shimla that has been facing water shortage and traffic chaos.
Proceedings of the assembly were also disrupted by the Congress during the budget session May 18 over the issue of cutting of trees by the realtor.
Under Himachal Pradesh land laws, only the state’s permanent residents can buy land in the state. Others who want to purchase land for non-agricultural purposes have to seek relaxation under Section 118 of the Land Reforms and Tenancy Act from the state government.