The Times of India 05.01.2010
ASI derails AMC’s joy trains at Kankaria
Even as the dispute over construction of buildings and laying tracks for the toy train was being discussed in the Gujarat High Court by activists opposing the entry fee to Kankaria Lake Front Development Project, ASI has withdrawn the permission granted to AMC for creation of any structure in the 100-metre prohibited zone.
A letter dashed on December 15 by the director general of ASI, AMC was informed that the permission granted in October to AMC for construction and beautification of Kankaria stood cancelled. AMC tried hard to obtain ASI’s no-objection certificate for regularisation of some 17 different structures created near the inlets, which are centrally protected monuments.
ASI’s decision came after Delhi high court asked the conservation department to withdraw all permission it has granted to such structures near prohibited monuments in last couple of years. The court has observed that ASI does not have powers and authority to give permission for such constructions in prohibited zones.
In case of KLFDP, AMC built a residence near the inlet besides, other constructions like laying down tracks for the toy train — Atal Express. With withdrawal of permission, the toy train may be derailed in near future for some time, as it will have to take a different route deviating from the bank of the lake.
Adivision bench in Gujarat High Court hearing the PILs regarding the Kankaria issue has asked AMC to produce the letter from ASI giving permission to the structures. The court said that it would decide on the stand ASI takes ultimately. In the meantime, ASI has asked the corporation to demolish the constructions, or come up with explanation in case it wants personal hearing from ASI.
