In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India gave its green light to the controversial tree felling for the Goregaon-Mulund tunnel project in Mumbai, with specific conditions aimed at mitigating environmental damage. The court allowed the project proponents to proceed with the application for tree clearance, but it emphasised that no trees would be felled without further approval and the submission of a comprehensive environmental plan.
The project, which aims to link Goregaon and Mulund via an underground tunnel, has been met with vocal opposition from environmentalists and activists. Their concerns stem from the project’s location near the ecologically sensitive Aarey Colony, an area previously at the centre of a contentious battle over tree felling for the construction of a Metro car shed. The Supreme Court’s decision, however, reflects its stance on balancing sustainable development with environmental preservation. While granting permission for the felling of 95 trees in the first phase of the tunnel project, the court clarified that the proponents must submit a report by experts demonstrating that no other alternatives to felling the trees exist. Furthermore, the court insisted that the proponents of the tunnel project devise a compensatory afforestation plan, ensuring the planting of 11,000 trees as compensation for the ones lost.
“This is a delicate balance between environmental protection and the necessity for development. Sustainable growth should not come at the cost of unchecked environmental degradation,” said Chief Justice of India B R Gavai. He stressed that infrastructure development, such as the tunnel, is essential for the country’s progress, but it must be pursued responsibly, with minimal environmental harm. The Supreme Court’s directive sets a significant precedent in how future development projects in India will need to incorporate environmental safeguards. The court also emphasised that compensatory afforestation measures should go beyond the number of trees felled, with the aim of restoring ecological balance in the affected areas. The proponents of the project will need to prove that the long-term benefits of the tunnel, such as improved traffic management and reduced congestion, outweigh the environmental costs.
While the tree felling is currently limited to 95 trees, the full-scale project will require the removal of a total of 1,094 trees. These numbers have sparked concerns among environmentalists, especially considering the fragile ecological zone around Aarey Colony, a key green space in Mumbai. The project’s backers, however, have insisted that the development is vital to improving the city’s infrastructure and easing congestion in the growing metropolis. The matter also touched on previous legal proceedings regarding the felling of trees for other development projects, particularly the ongoing debates surrounding Aarey Colony’s preservation. During the proceedings, the court highlighted that a separate inquiry was pending regarding additional tree felling in the colony, especially in light of ongoing environmental concerns.
Despite the tensions, the ruling signals a cautious yet pragmatic approach towards urban expansion. The court’s emphasis on compensatory measures and expert consultations indicates a growing recognition of the need to integrate environmental consciousness into large-scale infrastructure projects. As Mumbai continues to expand and modernise, this ruling could pave the way for similar decisions in future projects that involve delicate environmental considerations. The city faces the ongoing challenge of balancing rapid urbanisation with environmental sustainability, and this case may set a precedent for how development can proceed without sacrificing nature.
The Goregaon-Mulund tunnel project, once complete, will alleviate traffic congestion and provide much-needed infrastructure to one of Mumbai’s busiest corridors. However, its environmental impact remains a contentious issue, especially given Mumbai’s history of battles over urban development versus ecological preservation. The Supreme Court’s decision reflects the complex nature of this debate and sets clear expectations for how such projects should proceed in the future, keeping the environment and public interests at the forefront. As the project progresses, continued monitoring, expert reports, and a robust compensatory plan will be crucial in ensuring that Mumbai’s infrastructure develops in harmony with its environmental goals.
Also Read : Mumbai to Get Smarter with Metro Expansion and One App
