GUWAHATI, Nov 13 - Construction work on the notified water body in Noonmati by the Oil India Limited, termed unauthorized by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), would soon get a demolition notice as the work continues despite a �stop construction� notice from the authority.
The GMDA had issued notice to the oil major in August this year asking to show cause why the unapproved building should not be demolished under section 88(1) of the GMDA Act or unauthorized work of the premises not be sealed under section 88 (4) of the same Act.
Despite the growing need for preservation of water bodies in and around Guwahati for restoring the natural water channel system and overall ecological balance, preservation of the water bodies still remains a major challenge in the State in general and Guwahati in particular.
Whereas the administration has initiated several eviction drives to restore the water bodies, there has been a common allegation about the government�s failure to take action against the high and the mighty.
It has further been alleged that the OIL construction has led to filling up of water bodies in notified water bodies in Noonmati that are covered under the Guwahati Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Act and that the construction is being done without the due clearance from the Government, district administration and also the GMDA.
When asked about GMDA�s next step to ensure the preservation of Sil Sako and Bondajan beels from illegal encroachment, Anurag Singh, GMDA CEO said that shortly the OIL would be served a demolition notice under section 88 of the Act.
�Though the OIL has replied to our show cause, the construction process continues despite our notice prohibiting it from doing so,� he added. The OIL had applied for building permission on the land one and a half year back, which was refused subsequently.
