The Bombay High Court has allowed the Adani group to cut down 209 mangroves to build a high voltage power line that will help bring more electricity to Mumbai and its nearby areas. The court said the project is very important for the public.
Currently, the power lines in the city can’t handle any more electricity, so this new construction is needed. A judge noted that the project will help meet the growing energy needs of Mumbai.
The Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Limited asked for permission to cut these mangroves near Vasai creek to set up a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link between two power stations. This project will stretch over 80 kilometers, with 30 kilometers of power lines above ground and 50 kilometers underground, passing through the mangrove area. The company mentioned that only one kilometer of the project is in the mangrove zone.
The judges said it’s important to strike a balance between developing the area and protecting the environment. They recognized that the power project would provide more electricity for the city and improve lives in Mumbai and its suburbs.
In 2018, the court had ordered a “total freeze” on cutting mangroves in the state, meaning anyone wanting to remove them needed special permission. However, the court believed granting permission in this case was appropriate due to the public benefit. The Adani group has until March 2025 to complete the project and has already received all the necessary approvals to cut the mangroves.
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