Green Tribunal challenge to environmental clearance
Mumbai, April 29:
A petition has been filed before the National Green Tribunal (Western Zone Bench) challenging the environmental clearance granted to a residential project in the densely populated Byculla (Agripada) area of Mumbai.
The petitioner has raised concerns that the project has been approved without properly considering the carrying capacity of the area. Highlighting this issue, notices have been issued to the State Environment Department and the concerned developers.
The project is reportedly being developed on a plot located near Mohammed Shahid Marg and Red Cross Lane, where construction of a residential complex by Mahindra Lifespaces Developers and Livingstone Infrastructure has commenced.
What are the petitioner’s objections?
Byculla is already a highly congested area, and additional construction could put excessive strain on existing infrastructure. The Supreme Court, in the Kohinoor CTNL case, has emphasized that high-rise approvals must consider infrastructure capacity.
The petition argues that the clearance was granted without adequately assessing:
- Population density
- Traffic conditions
- Water supply
- Waste management systems
Key Observation
This issue goes beyond a single project and could set an important benchmark for future urban planning in Mumbai.
The outcome of the upcoming hearing will determine how developers and authorities approach such approvals. It is crucial that decisions of tribunals are not merely on paper but are effectively implemented.
— Aditya Pratap, Advocate