The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to several authorities, including the Maharashtra Environment Department, over a petition challenging the environmental clearance granted to a residential development in Mumbai’s Agripada area.
The appeal, filed by Ganesh Tukaram Kajolkar, seeks to set aside the Environmental Clearance (EC) dated December 23, 2025. The clearance was awarded to Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. and Livingstones Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. for a project located in the Byculla division.
Represented by advocate Aditya Pratap, the petitioner has argued that the approval was granted without conducting a proper assessment of the locality’s “carrying capacity,” despite the area being densely populated. The plea contends that such an omission undermines principles of sustainable urban development.
The tribunal admitted the appeal during a hearing on April 22, 2026. The bench, comprising Judicial Member Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Expert Member Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, took note of the submissions before proceeding with the case.
During arguments, the petitioner’s counsel cited multiple judicial precedents, including rulings of the Supreme Court of India, to emphasise the importance of evaluating infrastructure stress, traffic impact, and environmental sustainability before approving high-density projects. The plea also referred to earlier tribunal decisions warning that unchecked urban expansion without assessing environmental limits could result in long-term ecological damage, such as pressure on water resources, worsening air quality, and increased congestion.
Taking cognisance of the initial arguments, the tribunal has directed all respondents to file their replies within four weeks. The petitioner has been instructed to serve copies of the appeal and supporting documents within one week.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 8, 2026, where the tribunal will examine the issues raised in greater detail.
Source: The Free Press Journal
