Down To Earth replies

The map as stated in the article clearly says, "Map not to scale". Further, the map indicates that the project area is touching the road dividing the sanctuary and the project site. The reporter visited the site which touches the connecting road between Kaimbwalla and Kansal villages.

We have relied on the affidavit filed by the Department of Forest, Chandigarh, in the Delhi High Court in May, 2014, after the case was transferred to the court. According to the affidavit ( p12), "Respondent No. 8 [Tata Housing Limited] submitted an application in terms of environmental impact assessment notification" dated September 14, 2006, for environmental clearance for its proposed project. "However, apparently, it did not disclose the rejection of its application by Chief Wildlife Warden for the grant of No-Objection Certificate". Rather, the respondent "chose not to disclose the fact regarding the existence of a wildlife sanctuary which is situated just 123 metres away from the project site".

To quote further from the affidavit: "Regarding areas which are important or sensitive for ecological reasons, like wetlands, watercourses or other water bodies, coastal zone, biospheres, mountains and forests", the respondent stated that "Sukhna Lake is situated within 10 km of the said region", whereas "the project is within the catchment area of Sukhna Lake and the lake is at an aerial distance of just 1.5 km from the project".