shot-button
Lake Levels Lake Levels
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > HC seeks Maharashtra govt SRAs reply on PIL against inclusion of nature park in Dharavi redevelopment project

HC seeks Maharashtra govt, SRA's reply on PIL against inclusion of nature park in Dharavi redevelopment project

Updated on: 05 December,2022 02:11 PM IST  |  Mumbai
PTI |

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Abhay Ahuja was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) claiming that the Mahim Nature Park, which is a protected forest, has been unlawfully included in the redevelopment of Dharavi, Asia's largest slum

HC seeks Maharashtra govt, SRA's reply on PIL against inclusion of nature park in Dharavi redevelopment project

Bombay High Court. File Pic

The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Maharashtra government and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to file affidavits in response to a petition challenging the inclusion of the Mahim Nature Park in the Dharavi redevelopment project.


A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Abhay Ahuja was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) claiming that the Mahim Nature Park, which is a protected forest, has been unlawfully included in the redevelopment of Dharavi, Asia's largest slum.


The PIL filed by NGO Vanshakti and environmental activist Zory Bathena stated that it wants to ensure that the park, admeasuring 27 acres, is not unlawfully covered under the proposed Dharavi redevelopment project.


The petitioners had earlier written to the project authority seeking a clarification on whether the park was included within the Dharavi notified area, when it should have been entirely deleted from the project documents.

Also Read: Dharavi redevelopment: Adani Group bags project with Rs 5,069 crore bid

Senior counsel Milind Sathe, appearing for the project authority, told the court on Monday that it has already clarified to the petitioners that the Mahim Nature Park was not included in the redevelopment project.

But the authority was, however, silent on whether the park would be shown in the category of "excluded area" in the tender documents.

The bench then directed the state government and SRA to file their affidavits clarifying their stand by January 2, 2023.

As per the plea, the Mahim Nature Park was declared as a protected forest in 1991.

In October 2022, a tender was issued calling for bids for the redevelopment of Dharavi. The tender grants the project proponent the right to acquire excluded areas, including the Mahim nature park, the PIL alleged.

The petition challenged the demarcation and inclusion of the protected forest of the park in the category of "excluded area" in the project tender.

"This demarcation and inclusion would unlawfully allow the project proponent to acquire/develop the Mahim Nature Park in contravention to its protected nature status," the PIL said.

"The Mahim Nature Park should have never been included within the boundary of the Dharavi redevelopment project and should be deleted from the project documents," it said.

The Adani Group had emerged as the highest bidder for the 259-hectare Dharavi redevelopment project and bagged it with its Rs 5,069 crore bid.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK