The ministry’s final order is based on the report of the ministry’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) team chaired by Nalini Bhat, which also highlighted that the Adarsh Society had not obtained necessary clearances.
To execute the order, the MoEF could seek the help of the MMRDA to use its implosion techniques to demolish the building. But the residents of the Adarsh Society remain in a combative mood and their counsel Satish Maneshinde has declared that he plans to challenge the ministry order in the Mumbai high court.
“I think it is totally malafide and we will challenge it as and when we get the copy of the order,” he said. The ruling Congress party is trying to use the order to deflect attention from other scams. The Congress spokesperson Abhishekh Singhvi pointed out, “Can you show one example of a BJP-ruled state where a chief minister has resigned over a scam.”
Welcoming the report, the BJP has slammed the Congress party with its national spokesperson Kirit Somaiya stating, “The structure should be immediately demolished.”
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Maha Opp. hails MoEF decision
Age Correspondent
Mumbai
Jan. 16: The Maharashtra government on Sunday reacted cautiously to the Union ministry for environment and forest’s order to demolish the controversial Adarsh Society. However, the Opposition welcomed the MoEF’s decision. On the other hand, the society said that it will challenge the order in the court.
Maharashtra environment minister Sanay Deotale said that he would be able to speak on the issue only after receiving an official order from the MoEF. “We are yet to receive the MoEF order officially. We will take the decision on what the state government needs to do, only after receiving the order,” Mr Deotale said.