Bombay High Court has ruled in favour of the proposed Greenfield Vadhavan Port project in Dahanu near Mumbai, dismissing public interest litigations (PILs) filed against the venture.
The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the port’s establishment, which has sparked debates over procedural flaws and environmental concerns. The Vadhavan Port project, estimated to cost Rs 76,200 crore, is set to sprawl over 43,000 acres of land approximately six kilometres from the shoreline. Despite opposition from various stakeholders, including the Conservation Action Trust (CAT) and the National Fishworkers’ Forum, the High Court upheld the approval granted by the Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) on July 31, 2023. A division bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising Justices A S Chandurkar and Jitendra Jain, stated that the DTEPA had meticulously considered “all relevant aspects” before granting its mandatory nod for the establishment of the Greenfield Port. The court found no justifiable grounds to interfere with the environmental clearance provided for the project.
The legal battle over the Vadhavan Port has underscored the complexities surrounding large-scale infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive areas. Despite concerns raised by environmentalists and local communities, the court’s decision signifies a balance between development imperatives and environmental safeguards. With the legal hurdles now cleared, the Vadhavan Port project is poised to move forward, contributing to regional economic growth and bolstering maritime infrastructure in the vicinity of Mumbai. However, ongoing vigilance and adherence to environmental standards will remain paramount to ensure that the project proceeds responsibly and mitigates any adverse ecological impacts. The Bombay High Court’s ruling sets a precedent for future development projects in environmentally fragile regions, emphasising the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and transparent decision-making processes. As India continues to pursue ambitious infrastructure initiatives, striking a balance between development goals and environmental sustainability will remain a key challenge for policymakers and stakeholders alike.
