'Adarsh Society had no CRZ clearance'

Press Trust of India | 16-May 21:18 PM

Mumbai: Sitaram Kunte, the newly-appointed Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on Wednesday informed the Adarsh judicial panel that the high-rise had not obtained Coastal Regulation Zone clearance.

The Commissioner on Wednesday deposed before the two-member inquiry commission set up by Maharashtra government.

He said Adarsh Society had received no CRZ clearance from Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). The clearance must be obtained before starting the work, he added.

Kunte, a former principal secretary, Planning, rejected the suggestion made by Society's lawyer Saket Mone that it was not mandatory for the project authority to approach MCZMA for the CRZ sanctions.

Asked about the various permissions given to the Society, the Commissioner put the onus on the Collector's office.

Responding to the question on how the state revenue department ensures compliance of conditions after government land is allotted, he said: "To the best of my knowledge, it will be the Collector of the district who will be responsible to ensure compliance."

The 31-storey building allegedly stands on Defence Ministry's land, and has violated several environmental and civic laws.

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