Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat has launched a crackdown on the ongoing developments in the Sunny Lake Project, a residential colony being developed by Shikhar Construction in Dob Lawshal. Rawat’s inspection, conducted on Tuesday, was prompted by complaints from local residents, who reported that parklands designated in the approved development plan were being unlawfully sold.
During his visit, Rawat found alarming violations, including the illegal sale of over 15 parks spread across various phases of the project. In response, he immediately issued an order to halt all transactions related to these parklands and directed that legal action be taken against those responsible for the illegal sales.
Rawat also identified numerous discrepancies in the project’s execution, especially during his inspection of Phases 1, 2, and 3. He instructed officials from the tehsildar’s office, forest department, and development authority to conduct a thorough review and submit a detailed report. The inspections revealed several alarming issues, including the absence of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Phase 2, which houses 160 flats. Despite prior directives from the state pollution control board, no action had been taken to address this environmental violation. In addition to these findings, Rawat emphasized the importance of adhering to approved project maps and the prescribed 65-meter height limit for construction. He warned that any structures violating these guidelines would face immediate legal action. Unauthorized road construction within the project area was also uncovered, prompting Rawat to instruct the local patwari to investigate and submit a report within three days.
One of the most concerning findings during the inspection was the illegal felling of over 200 trees in the area. In response, Rawat directed the forest department to take stringent action against those responsible for encroaching on forest land and damaging the local environment. This crackdown by the Kumaon Commissioner underscores the commitment of the administration to protect public land, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure compliance with approved development plans. As the investigation unfolds, local residents hope this action will serve as a deterrent to illegal activities in the region and restore faith in the district’s regulatory processes. The ongoing scrutiny of the Sunny Lake Project highlights the importance of stringent oversight in urban development and environmental conservation, and it sends a strong message to developers that illegal practices will not be tolerated.
