The Supreme Court of India has expressed its strong disapproval of the practice where non-governmental organisations (NGOs) use environmental concerns as a pretext to block vital development projects. In a stern ruling on Tuesday, the court highlighted that such activities could potentially be funded by rival bidders or external interests aiming to stall the nation’s growth and development.
The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, rejected an appeal by an NGO challenging a National Green Tribunal (NGT) decision that had approved the installation of floating solar power projects at the Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra. The case revolves around the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation’s (THDC) initiative to set up a floating solar power project at Jayakwadi Dam, which is situated on the Godavari river in Paithan taluka of the Sambhaji Nagar district. The dam, declared a bird sanctuary, has been a focal point for conservationists. The NGO, ‘Kahar Samaj Panch Committee,’ filed an appeal to the NGT, arguing that the solar project would harm the area’s biodiversity and endanger the local bird population. They contended that the installation of the solar panels would affect the eco-sensitive zone, as declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
However, the NGT ruled in favour of the project after a comprehensive review, acknowledging the government’s policy to actively promote solar energy initiatives. The tribunal questioned the NGO’s claims, especially since the group failed to substantiate its objections with sufficient legal grounding. When asked to specify any law that would prohibit the setting up of such a project in an eco-sensitive zone, the NGO failed to provide a satisfactory response, and thus, their petition was dismissed. The Supreme Court bench reiterated the importance of being receptive to legitimate environmental concerns but also emphasised that it had become increasingly common for certain organisations to obstruct projects under the guise of protecting the environment. The court noted that these NGOs often did not provide concrete evidence to support their claims and could, in some cases, be acting with ulterior motives. The bench remarked that this trend posed a significant challenge to the nation’s development efforts and raised concerns about the possibility of external parties attempting to disrupt projects for financial or political reasons.
This ruling underscores the ongoing debate between environmental conservation and the need for sustainable development. While environmental preservation remains crucial, the growing demand for renewable energy projects, such as solar power, is integral to India’s long-term goals of energy independence and a zero-carbon future. Solar energy, being clean and renewable, is an essential part of India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate goals. As the nation strives towards a more sustainable future, the need to balance conservation efforts with development projects that promote clean energy becomes more pressing.
The dismissal of the appeal has been viewed as a significant step in reinforcing the importance of maintaining a rational approach to environmental protection and development. It highlights the necessity of fostering projects that contribute to the nation’s infrastructure while safeguarding the environment for future generations. The court’s stance also sends a clear message about the potential dangers posed by certain vested interests who may try to halt progress under the pretence of environmental activism.
As India continues to embark on its journey of renewable energy expansion, especially in solar power, such legal battles will likely become more frequent. The challenge will be to strike the right balance between environmental protection and progress, ensuring that the country’s developmental ambitions do not come at the expense of its natural resources.
