Notice to Faridabad MC over a banquet hall at tourist spot

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, February 16

Taking cognisance of a complaint of the alleged violation of citizens’ right to have fresh and clean air in and around the Aravalli Golf Club, a tourist spot, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has issued a notice to the Faridabad Municipal Corporation and other authorities to depose before it on May 13.

While the Haryana Tourism Corporation, Faridabad Municipal Corporation and the Town and Country Planning Department have been asked to submit their reports before the HHRC within six weeks, officials concerned will have to be present before the commission on May 13, the date of hearing.

Around 3,000 sq yards have been leased out for a banquet hall for seven years, it is claimed.

According to the order, “The complaint is regarding the illegal transfer of government land and construction in the area that belongs to the Aravalli Golf Club of the Haryana Tourism. It has been alleged that a large number of trees have been felled in connivance with officials, thus violating the rights of people residing in the vicinity of the area. The complaint submitted to the commission reveals that the club, spread over several acres, is a green cover and a source of clean and green air to thousands of residents.”

“If the construction of a banquet hall, which is a commercial activity, is allowed, it will result in pollution and will affect the green cover,” alleged Gaurav Batra, one of the complainants. Alleging that the construction done on the premises of the club was illegal and in violation of all norms, Deepak Mahendru, a resident, said the complaint with the HHRC was lodged after the local officials failed to respond to the grievances and the construction did not stop.