The Bombay High Court on Tuesday allowed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to relocate 156 mangroves which would be coming in way of the Brimstoward project at Khar.
A division bench of justice VM Kanade and justice Revati Mohite Dhere, while allowing the BMC to approach the concerned authorities for seeking permission in accordance with the law, noted that "Public utility projects are for the benefit of the public and cannot be equated with projects undertaken by builders. At the same time it cannot be forgotten that court orders are in public interest. And they (BMC) are not absolved from obtaining permission from the authorities. Entire object and purpose is to ensure sustainable development."
The BMC had approached the court seeking permission as after the completion of the Brimstoward project — which would free flooding at Milan Subway, Shastri Nagar and other areas — would destruct the mangroves situated there. As per the previous orders, the corporation had to approach the court seeking permission and thus, it moved the high court.
The bench allowing the plea said: "Sustainable development which protects the interest of natural resources cannot be exhausted by this development." The court though made it clear that the civic body will have to take necessary permission before relocating the mangroves.
