KARACHI: The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has approved the Clifton traffic improvement project, a controversial venture that drew a strong public reaction at a recent hearing where its environmental impact assessment (EIA) report was rejected by a majority of the stakeholders, it emerged on Friday. The stakeholders comprising mainly area residents, shopkeepers, Defence Housing Authority representatives, members of the Hindu community and non-governmental organisations termed the report ‘biased’ and ‘flawed’. A major criticism against the project design was related to its being a violation of heritage laws as the project not only encroached upon a heritage site (Jehangir Kothari Parade) but could also cause damage to the historical structures of Sri Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple and Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine in the vicinity. Also read: Outcry over Clifton high-rise, traffic project during Sepa hearing A copy of the approval document issued on Aug 5 shows that the proponent of the project — titled “The grade separated traffic improvement plan from Park Tower Intersection to A.T. Naqvi roundabout” — is the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation that submitted an EIA report on June 27. “After careful review of the EIA report, the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency accords its approval (to the project) subject to the compliance of the following conditions,” the document says. The conditions, specified in the document, are: all mitigation measures recommended in the EIA report and suggested by the expert committee must be complied with; the proponent must ensure that no damage is caused to the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi, Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir, Jehangir Kothari Pavilion and Parade and Lady Lloyd Pier during the construction. “In case of any damage, the project proponent will be responsible for the entire rehabilitation, maintenance and restoration of the mentioned sites,” the Sepa document explains. Independent monitors In addition, the KMC has been asked to engage an independent monitoring committee whose responsibility will be to keep a watch on project activities and see that construction is taking place in conformity with the conditions stated in the approval document and the mitigation measures are implemented according to the EIA report recommendations. The environment watchdog has also asked the KMC to file environment monitoring reports that would be reviewed by a committee of experts to check the compliance status and conduct site inspection at any time during the construction. “Traffic diversions during subsequent stages of construction of the project must be carefully planned in collaboration with traffic police to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. “Alternative routes/diversions will be appropriately developed prior to commencement of construction activity to ensure smooth flow of traffic in adjacent areas. It will be ensured that traffic accidents/congestion are avoided by displaying signboards etc and information regarding traffic diversions/detours must be provided to general public well in advance,” the document adds. The KMC has also been asked to establish procedures to address community grievances and undertake extensive plantation in and around the project area to improve environmental conditions and address concerns over greenhouse gas emissions. “The KMC will develop a comprehensive plan to take care of the waste generated during the construction and operational phases and the waste will be transferred to designated disposal sites. The space under the deck will be kept clean through effective garbage disposal system,” it says. The project proponent, according to the document, will constantly coordinate with relevant civic agencies (Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, K-Electric, Sui Southern Gas Company and Pakistan Telecommunication Company) and traffic police to minimise difficulties to commuters and residents. The site, it says, will not be left unattended or abandoned at any stage and round-the-clock work will be done in full swing without any break in order to minimise public inconvenience. “Conventional drilling/piling techniques will be avoided [to speed up work]. During excavation/drilling, mud/soil will not be left unattended and will be immediately transferred to a landfill site. There will also be an efficient system to drain out rainwater and its harvesting,” it says. The KMC has also been warned that if the conditions were not followed by it, the approval can be cancelled. “The proponent shall be liable for compliance to the EIA/IEE regulation in force that calls for inspection and monitoring of the project. This approval doesn’t absolve the proponent of the responsibility of acquiring any other consent or approval that may be required under any other law in force,” it says. Work on the project comprising a flyover and two underpasses being executed by Bahria Town management in collaboration with the KMC in Clifton had been stopped months ago on a court intervention. The court later ordered an EIA report of the project that aims to address traffic concerns due to the planned 60-storey Bahria Icon Tower. Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2014Dawn News
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 08:04:26 +0000
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