The state construction agency, Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam, has applied for “Prior Environmental Clearance” after completing 80 per cent of the construction of the new Lucknow jail.

The norm, however, is that any agency before beginning construction work for project covering over 20,000 square meters should get clearance from state-level Environment Impact Assessment Authority set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

The construction work on the Rs 300 crore project spread over one lakh square metres area is going on in full swing. The complex will house three buildings — District Jail, Nari Bandi Niketan and Model Jail. Plans are also afoot to hoist the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day and shift inmates of Nari Bandi Niketan and Model jail in the new building. The agency claimed that the new complex will be the biggest jail in Asia.

The Nigam has also filed a detail report of the project explaining each and every point of the project like discharge of sewage water, tree plantation, provision for environmental safety, treatment or disposal of solid waste, liquid effluents and others.

Apart from seeking clearance, the agency had also submitted Environmental Impact Assessment report — an assessment of the possible impact that a proposed project may have on the environment considering natural, social and economic aspects.

The director of the State Environment Department, Dr Yashpal Singh confirmed receiving the Nigam’s application for getting Prior Environment Clearance for the jail project.

He added that they would ask the agency to bring photographs of the constructed building during a presentation.

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