Supreme Court greenlights Mumbai's coastal road by cutting 45,000 mangroves
Supreme Court greenlights Mumbai's coastal road by cutting 45,000 mangroves
Supreme Court greenlights Mumbai's coastal road by cutting 45,000 mangroves
The Supreme Court has upheld the Bombay High Court's decision to allow the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to cut over 45,000 mangrove trees for the Versova-Bhayandar coastal road project. The ruling came after NGO Vanashakti challenged the order, arguing for fewer trees to be felled due to their environmental importance.
The court declined to revisit the number of trees marked for removal, stating that expert assessments had already determined the figures.
Originally, environmental authorities had identified 1,847 mangrove trees for direct felling as part of the project. However, the Bombay High Court expanded this number in its December 2025 ruling, permitting the removal of over 45,000 mangroves. The court attached strict conditions, requiring BMC to submit annual status reports on mangrove restoration and compensatory afforestation for a decade.
The Supreme Court reinforced these safeguards, directing BMC to provide yearly updates to the Bombay High Court on the progress of compensatory afforestation and mangrove revival. It also noted that adequate environmental protections, including compensatory planting, had been put in place. The Solicitor General of India supported the project, highlighting its potential to cut travel time, ease traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions.
Despite the petitioner's request to reduce the number of mangroves affected, the court stood by the expert-backed decision. The project is now set to move forward, with authorities emphasising its role in decongesting Mumbai's western highway and benefiting the public.
The Supreme Court's decision clears the way for the Versova-Bhayandar coastal road, with BMC required to monitor and report on mangrove restoration for the next ten years. The project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce emissions, while compensatory measures seek to offset the environmental impact of tree removal. Annual compliance reports will ensure ongoing oversight by the Bombay High Court.