The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed that plots at the Wadala Truck Terminal notified area should not be allotted until the required environmental clearance is obtained, posing a setback to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which is developing the area as a major mixed-use business and urban hub.
The order was passed by the Pune Western Zone Bench comprising Judicial Member Dinesh Kumar Singh and Expert Member Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpai following an application filed by social activist Arun Gaikwad.
The tribunal observed that the Wadala notified area covers more than 50 hectares and therefore requires prior environmental clearance from the competent authority. Until the clearance is secured, MMRDA has been directed not to distribute or allot plots in the area.
Plots for which valid environmental clearance has already been obtained may continue to be developed, but only in accordance with the conditions attached to the respective approvals, the order stated.
Wadala Project Modelled on BKC
The Wadala Truck Terminal area spans around 122 hectares, with MMRDA designated by the Maharashtra government as the special planning authority. The proposed development includes residential and non-residential plots, schools, colleges, transport infrastructure, commercial complexes and other urban facilities.
After disposing of vacant plots in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), MMRDA had increasingly looked towards Wadala as another potential source of revenue. The authority is also undertaking several major infrastructure projects that require substantial funding.
The environmental-clearance issue became contentious after the applicant argued that MMRDA had allotted plots without obtaining the clearance required under the applicable Environmental Impact Assessment framework.
Concerns Over Open Spaces
The applicant also raised concerns over the alleged diversion of areas originally reserved for parks and open spaces. According to the application, obtaining environmental clearance for the entire notified area would have helped establish clearer safeguards for green spaces, open areas and ecologically sensitive locations.
“This order will curb uncontrolled construction. Also, this order may affect other projects being started without environmental clearance,” said the applicant’s lawyer, Adv. Aditya Pratap.
The MMRDA spokesperson told, that the authority would take necessary action in accordance with the tribunal’s order.
The NGT directive could therefore affect the pace of development and plot allotments at Wadala, while placing greater emphasis on securing environmental approvals before large-scale construction and land development proceeds in the notified area.
Source: Loksatta
