The Chandigarh Administration’s environment department has directed the Municipal Corporation (MC) to obtain prior environmental clearance for its Rs 700-crore housing project in Manimajra.

. The department clarified that the project falls under the purview of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification, 2006, making green clearance from the competent authority mandatory. According to the communication, "The township and area development projects covering an area of less than 50 hectares and/or built-up of more than 1,50,000 sqm fall under category 8(b) of the schedule to EIA notification, 2006, dated Sept 14, 2006… For all such projects falling under category 8(a) & 8(b)… the user agency is required to obtain prior environmental clearance."

It further specified that built-up area includes all covered spaces across floors, basements, and service areas.