The Top Court said that Sustainable development important ingredient in protection of environment

The Supreme Court has allowed the municipal corporation of Greater Mumbai to commence partial development add the continuing Mumbai Coastal Road Project while observing that sustainable development is a very important ingredient within the protection of the environment.

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hima Kohli modified its 2019 order and permitted the civic body to put out gardens, open green spaces and parks, create a cycle track and jogging track, landscaping of seaside promenade and road-median and build recreation spaces.

"Unless the work is permitted at this stage, a considerable a part of the work of the road which is completed within the meantime will should be reopened for the underground parking lot. the power is publicly interest. Undoubtedly, sustainable development is a vital ingredient within the protection of the environment. At this stage, clear, the hassle to decongest the arterial roads of a congested metropolitan city can't be interrupted," the bench said.

The apex court, however, said the conditions imposed within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance must be scrupulously observed including the rehabilitation of the fishing community.

It directed the civic body to furnish an undertaking that the municipal corporation will adhere strictly to all or any the conditions stipulated within the CRZ clearance of May 11, 2017 as amended on May 18, 2021. 

"The land reclaimed mustn't be utilised for any residential or commercial development /purposes, presently or at any time within the future. No further land should be reclaimed for the needs of the Coastal Road Project without prior permission of this court", the bench said.

"This court must be apprised ahead if there's any substantial alteration of the project parameters. The petitioner shall file the requisite plan within a period of three months from the date of the order," the bench said.

The top court was hearing an application moved by the municipal corporation of Greater Mumbai for modification of the interim order dated December 17, 2019, to allow it to hold out certain work per the Coastal Road Project. The apex court had restrained the municipal corporation from carrying on the other development work until further orders.

The Rs 12,000 crore-worth coastal road project is from Marine Drive to Worli. 

According to the BMC's website, the civic body has envisaged the Mumbai coastal road project-south (MCRP) along the western seafront of town to decongest existing roads.