Pune:
The Environment Ministry's latest report on the controversial Lavasa township in Maharashtra says the "status quo must be maintained at the site till a final order is given by the Bombay High Court."
The ministry filed its reply on the Lavasa housing project before the Bombay High Court today. It has said that the construction at the site is unauthorised and it violated environment laws.
What the report says:- Construction at Lavasa is illegal
- Lavasa project violates Environment Protection Act
- Lavasa should pay huge penalty for not taking environmental clearance
- Maintain status quo, no construction till final court order
- Case will be reviewed keeping investments and employment generated in mind
Sources have told NDTV that Lavasa is likely to move the Bombay High Court against the order.
Several environmentalists, including Medha Patkar, had complained to the ministry about the Rs 3000 crore-Lavasa hill city project, which they said was being built in violation of several environmental laws.
Lavasa Corporation, the promoter of the project, is owned by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC).