SC allows parties to pay & regualrise use of Mumbai forest

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed residents, builders and developers to regualrise use of forest area in Mumbai by depositing an amount equal to 20 times the prevailing Net Present Value with Maharashtra government.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed residents, builders and developers to regualrise use of forest area in Mumbai by depositing an amount equal to 20 times the prevailing Net Present Value with Maharashtra government.

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The apex court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended that the areas declared as private forests be allowed for non-forestry use, dereservation and private ownership on payment of different NPV rates applicable to the adjoining forest areas.

The Bombay High Court had held approximately 9,193 acre and 37 gunthas of land situated within the municipal limits of Greater Mumbai as private forests.

Leading developers Godrej and Boyce, Nanabhai Jeejeebhoy, Atithi Builders, Normal Lifestyle and Nirmal Developers and residents had challenged the Bombay High Court judgement.

An apex court Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said those who want to deposit NPV should do so with the state government which would consider the category under which the affected parties fell. However, it said this would be without any prejudice to the parties.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked Maharashtra government to maintain status quo with regard to huge tracts of land that were declared as 'private forests.'