The “Gujarat Model” has come under scrutiny after allegations of collusion between state bureaucracy and builders. The focus is on the Thoth Mall project in Surat, where it is claimed that Phoenix Mills, working on the project, acquired a 7.22-acre plot on Udhana Magdalla Road in December 2022. Allegedly, the company cleared a significant number of trees and began illegal mining before receiving the necessary construction approvals.
Despite complaints to Gujarat’s various departments, no action was taken. The matter escalated and was brought before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Zone Bench in Pune. The NGT has issued notices to several Gujarat departments, including the Ministry of Forest and Environment, and Thoth Mall and Commercial Real Estate Private Limited, seeking their response.
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The State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEAC) in Gujarat recommended the project on December 20, 2023, despite allegations that the company violated environmental laws. It is claimed that construction activities began before receiving environmental clearance, with trees being cut and illegal excavation taking place.
SEAC, along with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and the Forest and Environment Department, has been accused of colluding with the builder. Questions have been raised about why SEAC did not act upon the complaints and why the minutes from its 745th meeting on the project were removed from its website.
The NGT case also highlights that satellite images show the builder’s open disregard for environmental regulations. Despite clear evidence, SEAC has failed to respond to emails seeking clarification on its inaction. The complainants argue that SEAC favored the builder, citing instances such as approving a low capacity sewage treatment plant (STP) and accepting the builder’s underestimation of water usage and soil excavation.
In the face of these allegations, SEAC has not provided answers or taken corrective action, allowing the project to continue.
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