Editorial
Legalising questionable housing projects!
For whose benefit?
There is very little one can do when the protector becomes the destroyer. As per report published in this paper on Saturday, the housing and public works ministry has approved five housing schemes and in doing so has not only flouted its own laws it has also defied the orders of the High Court which had declared these five projects, in a list of 70 others, illegal. Of these five three were also in the DAP committee's list.
Perhaps the ministry of works and Rajuk would let us know as to how come the projects that were recommended for scrapping by DAP expert team came to receive the seal of approval of the ministry. It is absurd that instead of removing the illegal constructions these have been given the green signal.
Also Rajuk's clarification is necessary on the reported amendments that have been done without the knowledge of those who should have been aware of the changes in the rules governing private housing development. The changes were done in a manner that can only be described as contrived with mala fide intentions.
In view of the above we find the explanation of the minister, that the relevant agencies including the ministry of environment have accorded necessary clearance to these projects, absolutely unconvincing. Instead of concurring with these agencies the ministry should have taken them to task for overlooking the ruling of the High Court and the recommendation of DAP committee. At least the ministry could have gone to the Court to seek its directive if there were any changed circumstances.
From the action of the housing ministry and Rajuk, the real-estate regulator, it seems that they have been more concerned about the interest of the realtors rather than of the state. There is little doubt that these approvals lack probity and transparency.
Everyone should understand that there can be no acceptable arguments validating such shady deals.
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