HC slams Maharashtra govt over road project in Raidad
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

HC slams Maharashtra govt over road project in Raidad

The Bombay High Court has come down hard on the departments of the Maharashtra government plan and execute infrastructure projects, saying, “This entire approach of the State Government towards planning prima facie appears to us to be faulty.”

The bench of Justices G S Patel and Gauri Godse was hearing a petition filed by 134 traditional fishermen (Kolis) from the village of Uran Koliwada in Raigad District. The principal concern was that the proposed Uran Bypass Road at Uran Koliwada would materially affect the petitioners’ traditional fishing rights.

During earlier hearings, every time the court sought a response from the Maharashtra government, it only got a request for an adjournment. The government also claimed the fishermen would not be impacted.

However, now the state government through its pleader told the bench that the “Fisheries Department will make a survey. Then there will be a report. Then there will be an assessment of compensation.”

This response shocked the bench. “This is not what we expect to be told. We do not see how the project alignment could have been decided before doing a survey and before assessing the possible impact on persons such as the petitioners. It surely stands to reason that any such survey would have had to be done first … further, if the statement is that the petitioners will be given ‘compensation’, then that necessarily implies that there is in fact an adverse impact on the petitioners as a result of the project. The state government cannot simultaneously say that there is no impact and also say that compensation will be given,” the bench observed.

See also:
In a first, ministry to conduct quality checks of new roads
BMC claims 50% of work on Coastal Road second tunnel done


The Bombay High Court has come down hard on the departments of the Maharashtra government plan and execute infrastructure projects, saying, “This entire approach of the State Government towards planning prima facie appears to us to be faulty.” The bench of Justices G S Patel and Gauri Godse was hearing a petition filed by 134 traditional fishermen (Kolis) from the village of Uran Koliwada in Raigad District. The principal concern was that the proposed Uran Bypass Road at Uran Koliwada would materially affect the petitioners’ traditional fishing rights. During earlier hearings, every time the court sought a response from the Maharashtra government, it only got a request for an adjournment. The government also claimed the fishermen would not be impacted. However, now the state government through its pleader told the bench that the “Fisheries Department will make a survey. Then there will be a report. Then there will be an assessment of compensation.” This response shocked the bench. “This is not what we expect to be told. We do not see how the project alignment could have been decided before doing a survey and before assessing the possible impact on persons such as the petitioners. It surely stands to reason that any such survey would have had to be done first … further, if the statement is that the petitioners will be given ‘compensation’, then that necessarily implies that there is in fact an adverse impact on the petitioners as a result of the project. The state government cannot simultaneously say that there is no impact and also say that compensation will be given,” the bench observed. See also: In a first, ministry to conduct quality checks of new roadsBMC claims 50% of work on Coastal Road second tunnel done

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Moro Hub and PwC Middle East Partner to Accelerate Smart City Solutions

Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has announced a strategic collaboration with PwC Middle East to advance Smart City, Integrated Command Centre (ICC), Critical Infrastructure Monitoring and Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives across the region. The partnership brings together Moro Hub’s digital infrastructure and IoT capabilities with PwC’s global expertise in digital trust, smart city strategy and cybersecurity to support the UAE’s vision for intelligent and sustainable cities.“Our collaboration with PwC Middle Ea..

Next Story
Equipment

ABB India Unveils ACS380-E Drive for High-Performance Automation

ABB India has launched the ACS380-E drive, a next-generation machinery drive designed for automation-centric machine building, adding to its all-compatible drive portfolio. The solution simplifies machine integration and is future-proofed for industrial automation with advanced connectivity, faster commissioning and built-in cybersecurity capabilities.The ACS380-E features integrated dual Ethernet ports for plug-and-play communication with all major industrial automation networks, eliminating the need for separate modules and reducing installation complexity. The drive also supports fast USB-C..

Next Story
Building Material

Cement Makers Positive on H2 Demand Outlook

The leading cement producers have posted high single-digit volume growth and better sales realisation in the July–September quarter, setting a positive tone for the second half of FY26. Companies are upbeat on demand prospects, supported by a strong housing sector and continued government spending on major infrastructure projects. UltraTech, Ambuja Cement, Shree Cement, Dalmia Bharat and Nuvoco Vistas recorded revenue growth of up to 18 per cent in the September quarter. The rise was driven by firm realisations, softer input costs and an increased share of premium products. With coal price..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Get CW App