In a recent hearing at the Bombay High Court, Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya raised significant concerns regarding unchecked development in Bandra's suburban area. Addressing petitions challenging proposed commercial projects, Chief Justice Upadhyaya stressed the need for boundaries in resource use, cautioning against what he termed as “greed” driving the exploitation of natural resources. His remarks reflect the increasing scrutiny of large-scale development projects in Mumbai, where balancing growth with environmental preservation has become a pressing issue.
MSRDC Awaits Environmental Clearance
During the hearing, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) updated the court on its plans to commercially develop a 24-acre plot along the Western Express Highway (WEH) in Bandra Reclamation. MSRDC informed the court that obtaining environmental clearance would take time and assured that no construction would begin until the necessary approvals were in place. The project has drawn public scrutiny after two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by environmental activist Zoru Bhathena and the Bandra Reclamation Area Volunteers Organization highlighted the potential impact on local ecosystems.
Petitioners Challenge
The petitioners argued that the proposed development violates Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, as the land in question is reclaimed and has been used as a casting yard for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link project. They urged that the land be preserved as a “green lung” for the community, serving as a vital ecological area rather than a commercial site. The PIL also highlighted that MSRDC issued a tender in January 2024 for the plot’s commercial development, a use not aligned with the original land designation. The court emphasized that the matter carries significant environmental, ecological, and biodiversity implications.
Authorities and Developers Pledge Compliance
The court questioned Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Devang Vyas from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on whether an environmental permit application had been filed. Vyas confirmed that the expert committee had yet to receive one. Chief Justice Upadhyaya reiterated that construction must not commence without the appropriate permissions. MSRDC’s representative, Senior Advocate Milind Sathe, acknowledged that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements would take time to fulfill, but noted that with Mahim Creek classified as a bay, the project land might not fall within CRZ jurisdiction.
Further, Adani Properties Pvt Ltd, represented by Senior Advocate Zal Andhyarujina, committed to applying for the necessary clearance. Reflecting on the broader implications, Chief Justice Upadhyaya remarked on Mahatma Gandhi’s view that nature offers enough for people's needs but cannot satisfy unchecked greed. He noted the risks associated with excessive resource use, particularly as technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI) add complexity to human-environment interactions.
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