The Shimla Municipal Corporation today slapped a fine of Rs 22.73 lakh on a private builder for for causing damage to trees.
Luxury villas project of Bemloe Builders, which is already facing a vigilance probe, was fined for damaging trees.
"The promoter, Bemloe developers has been fined for damaging 23 green trees, 20 of them with debris of the project while felling three full grown trees without any permission and if the company immediately deposits the fine, it is okay, otherwise the matter would go to court," said Divisional Forest Officer of SMC Inder Kumar.
"The damage report of the trees was finalised on Friday after an inspection by the forest staff of SMC," said the DFO.
The action by MC's forest wing, however, comes separately and has no relation with the vigilance probe on into the project.
The cottages are coming up in thick forest area in Shimla with the builder having bought 6,650 sq m land in the heart of the town for building 24 luxury cottages.
Sources said the forest wing is also getting the demarcation done at the project site to find out encroachments if any for further fine or action.
