The NTCA directions came on Tuesday afternoon after it came to know that work had already started with large-scale tree felling. TOI had on February 13 reported how NHAI started the work even as the issue was before the Supreme Court with a hearing on Feb 19.
Talking to TOI on Tuesday, Rajesh Gopal, membersecretary, NTCA, said, “After ascertaining the facts, I have issued letter to Krishna Mohan, chief conservator of forests (CCF), Nagpur Territorial Circle, to immediately stop the four-laning work from Mansar to Kanhan as it is a violation of Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980.” Gopal on Monday had asked Mohan Jha, field director of Pench Tiger Reserve, to ascertain the facts about violation by NHAI. Coand not aware of any communication to stop work. Kale did not come clear on stopping of work.
“The work to fell non-schedule trees was started after a go ahead from Ramtek sub-divisional officer (SDO). We have not done any work in the forest patch from Madhya Pradesh side to Mansar, forest clearance for which is pending,” Kale said. Work between Mansar and Kanhan could not be termed as waste as the road would link NH-7 and NH-6 near Mouda.
The FCA has decided that if a project involves forest as well as non-forest land, work should not be started untill approval under the FCA. pies of the letter have been marked to MoEF minister Jairam Ramesh and chief secretary and forest secretary of Maharashtra. “Even if it is on revenue land, NHAI cannot start work as the matter is subjudice,” Gopal said.
Krishna Mohan said orders were verbally communicated to the project director of NHAI and a letter is also being despatched to stop work. “We will examine the facts and see what action can be taken if violations are noticed,” Krishna Mohan said. Vivek Jaiswal, project director, NHAI, was not available for comments. Arvind Kale, manager (technical), NHAI, said he was in Delhi.
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