The area under the Metro lane has been covered with locking bricks whereas it is mandatory for such spaces to be part of the green belt.
In what seems as a clear violation of rules of the horticulture department of the Delhi government, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has covered the area below an under construction Metro line in Mayur Vihar Phase I with locking bricks.
When City Spidey spoke to DMRC officials, they said that they did so because the residents in the area had approached DMRC and had requested to cover the area with locking bricks. The officials said that the residents argued that if the area was left for plantation, the dust would cause pollution.
According to the horticulture department, it is mandatory for the area under a Metro line to be part of the green belt.
DP Singh, director of horticulture department, Delhi government, told City Spidey that whether it is a government or a private agency, they are bound to develop a green area at a construction site.
“Almost all Metro lines have green area under them, which either have iron or cement fencing. The space under the Metro corridor can be used for plantation purpose only. The department is not aware of such a development. We will be able to say anything only after we inspect the site,” said Singh.
DMRC officials also added that the height of the dividers between the pillars below the lane was 220 mm so as to prevent encroachment of the area for parking purposes. All newly constructed dividers under Metro lanes have the same height.
