NEWS

Taking a lenient view on allowing construction in green areas, the government is likely to allow raising of double-storied structures in the 17 designated greenbelts in the state capital. It will be a complete deviation from the policy of saving every inch of the precious dwindling greenery. The final decision on the matter is likely in near future. There has been a complete ban on construction in the 17 greenbelts spread over 414 hectares in the town since December, 2000. A committee constituted by the government to look into the issue of relaxing the ban on construction in green areas has given a favourable report. “It is almost certain that the ban will be lifted completely and double-storied structures will be allowed in green areas,” sources said. The Director, Town and Country Planning, is the chairman of the committee, while officials of the municipal corporation, urban development and forest departments are its members.