There is no need for environmental clearance for the controversial project of UP government for building memorials and statues of Dalit icons, including Chief Minister Mayawati, at a park in Noida near here, the Centre has told the Supreme Court.
However, it said if desired by the apex court, the Ministry of Environment and Forest would assess the project from environmental angle based on the documents to be submitted by Uttar Pradesh government.
The Centre’s view was conveyed in an affidavit to the apex court notice asking it to respond to the Central Empowered Committee report stating that the state government should seek environmental clearance for the Rs 650-crore project in the 33.43 hectare.
The Centre had earlier opposed the project on environmental grounds.
A Special Forest Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan had on October 9 directed Uttar Pradesh government to stop the work for construction of statues and memorials for Dalit leaders including those of Mayawati and her political mentor Kanshi Ram.
It had only allowed the NOIDA authorities to continue with other work like planting of trees and posted further hearing on the matter for October 26.
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