NGT recalls prohibition order on Gajoldoba

Darjeeling: The National Green Tribunal recalled the order of prohibition that it had imposed at Gajoldoba stopping the construction work of a helipad and various other works at the integrated tourism project, Bhorer Alo. Earlier, the tourism department had submitted a review petition.

Tourism minister Gautam Deb said based on a petition filed by Subash Dutta, the NGT had sought an Environment Impact Certificate from the state.

"Acting on the NGT direction, we engaged the Jadavpur University. The university prepared a project report and we got an environment clearance certificate on March 24, 2017. This was submitted at the NGT and we appealed for an environment compliance certificate," Deb said.

On October 9, NGT had issued an order of prohibition in an ex-party hearing based on a petition by Subash Dutta against the construction of a helipad. The state had then filed a review petition of the order.

"At this stage, we are to examine the environmental clearance as it stands," the NGT said.