Bombay High Court Gives Green Light to Adani Cementation Limited’s Jetty Project Near Alibag Despite Environmental Concerns
In a recent ruling, the Bombay High Court granted permission to Adani Cementation Limited to proceed with its ambitious jetty and conveyor corridor project near Alibag, a picturesque coastal town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This decision, while acknowledging the economic benefits of the ₹172-crore initiative, has raised eyebrows among environmentalists who fear potential ecological damage.
The project, slated to be constructed along the banks of the Amba River in Shahbaj and Shahpur villages, aims to develop a jetty, conveyor corridor, and approach road to facilitate the transportation of cement and other materials via waterways. With a capacity to handle 5 million metric tonnes per annum, the project promises to ease road congestion and reduce carbon emissions by shifting transportation from roadways to water routes.
Initially facing resistance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) due to compliance issues, Adani Cementation Limited argued that the project’s environmental benefits far outweighed any potential drawbacks. Despite obtaining the necessary approvals, concerns were raised regarding the impact on mangrove forests, with the project requiring the felling of 158 mangrove trees within a reserve forest area.
Advocate Vikram Nankani, representing the company, passionately defended the project, highlighting its role in curbing air pollution and meeting Mumbai’s growing infrastructure needs. He assured that compensatory afforestation efforts, including planting ten times the number of affected mangroves, were underway. On the other hand, advocate Aditya Mehta, representing the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG), expressed concerns that the project prioritized commercial interests over environmental conservation.
Following a thorough evaluation, the division bench, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre, ruled in favor of Adani Cementation Limited. The court emphasized the importance of sustainable development, urging a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. While recognizing the project’s potential to alleviate road congestion and reduce carbon emissions, the court mandated strict compliance with all environmental regulations.
In a statement, the bench underscored, “Sustainable development requires a harmonious coexistence of economic progress and environmental protection. While commercial endeavors should not excessively deplete natural resources, any unavoidable losses must be offset. With the petitioner securing statutory clearances, we believe the project merits approval, provided all environmental conditions are met.”
As a next step, Adani Cementation Limited has been instructed to submit an affidavit confirming its adherence to all environmental conditions set forth by regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) and MCZMA. This decision marks a crucial juncture in the ongoing dialogue between development and conservation, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects in environmentally sensitive areas.
