Coastal road back on track: Mumbai civic body resumes work after SC reprieve
Hours after the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday lifted the status quo on construction of the coastal road project worth ₹ 12,000 crore, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) started piling work at Amarson Garden. The SC modified a Bombay high court (HC) order from April and allowed contractors to proceed with works that have already commenced, but directed that there should be no new work in any new area.
The SC on Monday said that the contractors and the BMC may complete work on the coastal road project that has already commenced “at their own risk”. Mohan Machiwala, chief engineer for the coastal road project, said, “We will follow what the court orders state and work will be carried out according to that.”
Two PILs were filed by activists and Society for Improvement of Greenery and Nature , an NGO, saying the project would have an adverse effect upon marine ecology in those sections of the city coastline.
In April, the HC heard petitions against the cutting of trees at Amarson Garden at Bhulabhai Desai Road and on the lack of environment clearance for the project. The BMC was stopped from carrying out further work till April 23. Following this, the BMC turned to the SC, seeking permission to continue work.
In light of the SC’s modification of the HC order, activists said the civic body cannot reclaim any further land for the project. BMC officials say they will continue with the existing work. Activist Zoru Bhathena, who is one of the petitioners challenging the coastal road project, said, “The order is very clear. The BMC cannot proceed with the reclamation of land which involves dumping debris into the sea. If we find out that the contractors have breached the court order, we will approach the apex court.” The BMC plans to reclaim 90 hectares from the sea to build amenities like open spaces and parking lots.
The ambitious 29.2 km-long coastal road will connect south Mumbai to the western, coastal suburbs, using a combination of tunnels, roads on reclaimed land and elevated roads. As per the BMC’s plans, it will start from Princess Street Flyover, Marine Lines to Kandivli. It will have eight lanes, with two dedicated bus lanes.
The HC is expected to hear the PILs challenging the coastal road project in June.
Less time to read?
Try Quickreads
-
Jammu MC passes resolution to remove illegal loudspeakers from religious, public places
In a move aimed at reducing noise pollution and providing relief to people, especially students, ailing and the elderly, the Jammu municipal corporation on Tuesday passed a resolution for the removal of loudspeakers and public address systems operating without permission from religious and public places, evoking criticism from the rival Congress. Corporators from the Opposition stiffly opposed the decision and said that it will vitiate peaceful atmosphere of Jammu, known for brotherhood.
-
J&K: Two overground workers of LeT arrested in Budgam
Security forces on Tuesday arrested two overground workers of Lashkar-e-Taiba from Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. “Police, along with security forces, have arrested two terrorist associates of proscribed terror outfit LeT in Budgam. Incriminating materials, explosives and ammunition were also recovered from their possession,” a police spokesman said.
-
Kashmir panchayat member goes the extra mile to implement government schemes
A 37-year-old panchayat member from north Kashmir's Narwav area, Mir Iqbal, is reputed to go the extra mile and not just figuratively, as he moves from village to village trying to solve people's problems and implement government schemes on the grassroots level. A post-graduate from Kashmir University, Iqbal, joined politics in 2011 as a young Congress worker. The Narwav block, spread over 56 square kilometres, comprises 17 panchayats.
-
Himachal: SDM offices to come up at Rakkar, Kotla Behar in Kangra
Himachal chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday announced to open SDM offices at Rakkar and Kotla Behar and block development office at Dadasiba in Jaswan Pragpur assembly constituency in Kangra. He was addressing a public meeting at Pragpur after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of 39 development projects worth ₹190 crore. He slammed the Congress' decision of appointing four working presidents in a small state like Himachal Pradesh.
-
AAP slams Jai Ram govt over deteriorating education system; baseless allegations, says BJP
The Aam Aadmi Party, which is trying to make inroads into the bipolar politics in Himachal, on Tuesday announced that education and healthcare will be its main poll planks in the state assembly elections scheduled for later this year. AAP leader and Delhi education minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday interacted with students and teachers to get the first-hand account of the education standards in Himachal Pradesh.
