Anti-erosion bund at Colaba gets HC nod

THE COURT CAN'T SUBSTITUTE ITS OPINION IN PLACE OF OPINION BY STATUTORY BODIES

- Karuna Nidhi

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday ruled in favour of Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), permitting the construction of an anti-sea erosion bund at Colaba. Observing that the project is in larger public interest, the court ensured compliance of conditions to safeguard the environment.

MMB had filed a writ petition in 2021, seeking central government's permission to execute an anti-sea erosion bund at Colaba, stating that the project is of public importance. The relief sought was intended to prevent land erosion from sea waves and tidal activities. They also said the erection of bund is necessary to stop the erosion of the wall adjacent to the Colaba Sewage Treatment Plant (CSTP), which has a capacity of 37 Megaliters per Day (MLD). The wastewater collected from nearby areas is treated at this plant, making it necessary to undertake the project.