The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) was granted permission by the Bombay High Court to build an anti-sea erosion bund in Colaba. While guaranteeing compliance with environmental protections, the court maintained the project’s importance in the public interest.
MMB had filed a writ petition in 2021 seeking approval from the central government to proceed with the project, citing its necessity in preventing coastal erosion caused by sea waves and tidal activity. The board emphasized that the bund is essential to protect the wall adjacent to the Colaba Sewage Treatment Plant (CSTP), which processes 37 Megalitres per Day (MLD) of wastewater from nearby areas.
The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) had convened on December 8, 2020, to discuss granting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the project. Approval was given with conditions, including maintaining a 50-meter buffer zone around mangrove plantations and ensuring no disruption to the natural water flow.
However, the Bombay Environment Action Group (BEAG) opposed the project, arguing that no scientific study had been conducted to assess its necessity or environmental impact. They warned that hard structures might provide temporary relief but could lead to increased erosion in other areas.
In response, MMB’s counsel defended the project, stating that alternative soft solutions might not be feasible in all cases. They pointed out that the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had reviewed and recommended the project, clarifying that it did not violate the CRZ Notification of 2011. The SEIAA and the mangrove cell also endorsed the initiative, confirming its compliance with environmental regulations.
The division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre rejected BEAG’s concerns after considering all parties’ submissions. They concluded that the court could not overrule expert opinions provided by statutory authorities such as MCZMA and SEIAA. The court permitted MMB to move forward with the construction of the anti-sea erosion bund in Colaba after concluding that the project is in the public interest.
Source: Hindustan Times
