Imphal, December 09: The Centre has asked the State Government to submit a detailed report on whether necessary environmental clearance was obtained for the construction of the State Capitol Project being developed at Chingmeirong.

According to reliable sources, the Union Ministry of Environment & Forest on November 29 intimated to the State Govt to comment on news report of non-compliance to stipulated regulations prescribed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 1994 to pursue the Capitol Project.

The Ministry's letter (No J12011/3/2004-1A1) also mentioned the PM laying the foundation stone for the project explained on the EIA notification of indispensability to acquire environmental clearance under the New Town Project clause as well as necessity of State Pollution Control Board conducting public hearing prior to any project construction likely to disturb ecological balance.

Conduct of public hearing after detailed preparation of EIA, constitution of an expert committee for further perusal of the matter and submission of report for clearance from the Union Ministry are the prerequisites for any massive constructions, the Central Govt letter further explained.

In case of the State Government not adhering to said rules and regulations, Union Ministry of Urban Development would be asked to take appropriate action against the State, the source sid quoting the content of the 'Environmental Ministry's letter.

Ground development activities are in full swing at the project site located at the hill slope of Langol Hills where buildings of Manipur Legislative Assembly and High Court are stipulated to come up at the premise in the Rs 50 crore Planning Commission of India assisted project.

Mentioned may be made that inspite of Langol Reserved Forest area being considered as lungs of the capital city as per State Forest Department policy no visible measures had been initiated so far to preserve the greenery.

In contrast, earth filling for the ground development work of the Capitol Project is being dug out from the Langol Range.

On the other hand State environmentalists expressed to The Sangai Express of severe ecological imbalance if remedial process to preserve nature is not taken up in Langol Range and nearby area specially proper management of the almost extinct Lamphelpat which served as natural reservoir.

Predicting frequent inundation of Imphal areas if urgent steps are not adopted to preserve or improve natural drainage system provided by the Lamphelpat, the environmentalists said severe setback to the long cherished Capitol Project could not be ruled out.

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