Maradu Demolition: Centre will help if appropriate
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New Delhi: The Union Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar told 'Madhyamam' that the central government will assist the state government to solve the crisis that emerged after the Supreme Court ordered to demolish the apartment towers in Maradu. The minister clarified the centre's stance in the wake of Kerala government's decision to seek the help of the central government.
Central government is not a party of Maradu case, Javdekar said. The SC has not asked anything to the central government in the case. Nor has the state government discussed the issue of demolition of the towers with the centre so far. The state government granted permission for the constructions in Maradu. So, the state itself should find a way out. The central government will help them in this regard, Javdekar added.
Meanwhile, the SC on Wednesday refused to hear urgently a plea filed by N.G. Abhilash, a native of Maradu, demanding an environment impact study before demolishing the towers. The plea was rejected by a bench headed by Justice N.V. Ramana.
The plea was filed via Advocate Manoj Kumar before Justice Ramana as Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S.A. Bobde were in the hearing of Babri Masjid title dispute. The advocate urged the court to hear the plea before the time fixed by the court to demolish the towers lapse on Friday. Though the petitioner argued that demolition of 20 storeyed towers will make serious environmental impact, the SC did not give in.
Justice Ramana told the petitioner that the plea may be listed just like any other would be. As the counsel pointed out that the plea would be considered by the bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, who ordered the demolition, on 23rd, Justice Ramana said that if the bench lists the plea it would be taken up and reiterated that the plea cannot be heard urgently.
The court had ordered demoliition of the five apartments which were found to have violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) laws and ordered the state government to file a report by Friday.
