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HC ruling on building bylaws
timely A As regards the huge number of building
bylaw violators mentioned in the report, this is in variance with the
government’s stand issued through press releases from time to time.
Bylaw violations are of two types. In the first category, the basic
framework of the construction is in accordance with the bylaws and only
minor variations are there in the structure, which according to the
Supreme Court, can be compounded. In the other type, violations are
against the framework of the bylaws and hence non-compoundable. In this
case, human rights are also violated. Certain basic principles of
planning like adequate sun, open space, air and greenery in the
residential buildings or areas should all be followed. |
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The cases of encroachment reported by the civic bodies to the local government should include violations in both categories as mentioned above. All the illegal constructions will have to be pulled down immediately. A correct figure of the number of encroachments can be arrived at through if a survey is undertaken on the number of new constructions or re-erections, additions and alterations of the buildings made and the types of violations committed from the date of enforcement of the bylaws. Dr Gurkirpal Singh, Ludhiana
Incorrect report The report
“Coal slurry
dumping may contaminate water” (March 11) is incorrect. We do not
produce any coal slurry. The flyash, so generated in our steam
generation plant, is mixed with water before being shifted to the flyash
pond. These ponds are surrounded by technically sound dykes capable of
storing the flyash which is shifted to low-lying areas as filler after
the same gets dried up. Further, dumping of flyash in low-lying areas
as filler with final layer of earth is a universal practice and it does
not affect the quality of the ground water in any way. The use of flyash
for laying of roads and for better yield of crops is also encouraged by
various agencies. Even the surrounding village panchayats have been
approaching us for making available dry flyash for utilisation as filler
in their low-lying areas. The ground water quality in and around
Nangal is periodically monitored and it meets the drinking water
standards. We are concerned about our responsibilities towards a cleaner
environment. To meet the statutory requirements, we have invested over
Rs 25 crore on pollution abatement systems. J.L. SHARMA, Our
Correspondent replies: The National Fertilisers Limited authorities have
been dumping the fly ash in 20 to 30 feet deep pits spread in an area of
acres within the municipal limits of Nangal adjoining their residential
colony. This can be verified by anyone visiting the area. People
residing in the surrounding areas constantly complain of flyash flowing
into their houses with air. The underground dumping is in violation of
the norms prescribed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board for dumping
flyash. The PPCB only allows the dumping of flyash in dykes constructed
on the ground and protected by pulverised layer to stop seepage. It has
now deputed a team to study the effects of the underground dumping of
flyash by the NFL.
Maya’s democracy Though Ms Mayawati claims herself
to be the spokesperson of Dalits, she isn’t if one considers her nature,
temperament and behaviour. She is a political manipulator and with the
passage of time, people would be able to understand her real persona. Mr
Kanshi Ram worked very hard to build the Bahujan Samaj Party, but the
way she has been working all along, I doubt whether she would be able to
serve the cause of Dalits. Clearly, she has to amend her style of
functioning if she is sincerely interested in helping the Dalits. PARVEEN
KUMAR WALIA, |
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