Bombay High Court asks BMC to maintain status quo on coastal roadwork

06 May 2019 Editorial Team

The Bombay High Court has directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to stop coastal roadwork and maintain a status quo till June 3.

A division bench of Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice NM Jamdar heard five petitions filed by Worli Koliwada Nakhwa, Vanashakti, Collective for Spatial Alternatives member Shweta Wagh, Conservation Action Trust, and Society for Improvement, Greenery and Nature. The project has been opposed on the grounds that it poses a risk to the environment and the livelihood of the fisher community.

Reports suggest that a deputy director at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) filed an affidavit questioning the grant of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance and whether an environment clearance was required under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). The affidavit also mentioned that, in May 2017, the MoEFCC had accorded the CRZ clearance with adequate environmental safeguards to be implemented and compiled by the BMC. The BMC is also expected to periodically carry our specific studies through the National Institute of Oceanography, during and after the construction of the project. CW has learnt that certain studies that had to be carried out have been missed; hence, the court has advised the BMC to commence those studies.

That said, matters are reportedly expected to settle down by October. However, no BMC official was available for comment.

What’s more, another affidavit has been reportedly filed stating the BMC had submitted that no rehabilitation and resentment is involved for the 9.9-km coastal road (south) project. Once the ministry was fine with the recommendations of the expert appraisal committee, CRZ clearance was granted.

Further, as reported, the BMC has also filed an affidavit in one of the matters, which created confusion about paperwork pertaining to the petitions. The bench, on the basis of this, reportedly directed the registrar general (judiciary) to sort all the paperwork and affidavits into a file to identify the pleadings by the counsel.

The Bombay High Court has directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to stop coastal roadwork and maintain a status quo till June 3.A division bench of Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice NM Jamdar heard five petitions filed by Worli Koliwada Nakhwa, Vanashakti, Collective for Spatial Alternatives member Shweta Wagh, Conservation Action Trust, and Society for Improvement, Greenery and Nature. The project has been opposed on the grounds that it poses a risk to the environment and the livelihood of the fisher community. Reports suggest that a deputy director at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) filed an affidavit questioning the grant of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance and whether an environment clearance was required under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). The affidavit also mentioned that, in May 2017, the MoEFCC had accorded the CRZ clearance with adequate environmental safeguards to be implemented and compiled by the BMC. The BMC is also expected to periodically carry our specific studies through the National Institute of Oceanography, during and after the construction of the project. CW has learnt that certain studies that had to be carried out have been missed; hence, the court has advised the BMC to commence those studies.That said, matters are reportedly expected to settle down by October. However, no BMC official was available for comment. What’s more, another affidavit has been reportedly filed stating the BMC had submitted that no rehabilitation and resentment is involved for the 9.9-km coastal road (south) project. Once the ministry was fine with the recommendations of the expert appraisal committee, CRZ clearance was granted. Further, as reported, the BMC has also filed an affidavit in one of the matters, which created confusion about paperwork pertaining to the petitions. The bench, on the basis of this, reportedly directed the registrar general (judiciary) to sort all the paperwork and affidavits into a file to identify the pleadings by the counsel.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..