NGT Halts Chena River Project Amid Environmental Lawsuit

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone bench in Pune, has issued a notice to the state government and the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) regarding the Chena River beautification project. This action follows the admission of a petition challenging the elaborate riverfront development plan in Kashimira. The project, envisioned with promenades, commercial structures, and tourism infrastructure, is reportedly located in the eco-sensitive zone of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).

Environmental non-profit Vanshakti filed the application, seeking a halt to excavation, reclamation, and tree felling. The NGT noted that the plea raises substantial environmental questions and requires responses from the concerned agencies within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for June 29, 2026. Activists had previously raised concerns about debris dumping, excavation, and damage to grasslands and mangroves along the riverbanks.

The petition highlights that the project activities are occurring in ESZ-2, where construction and reclamation are prohibited, allegedly violating the ESZ notification and other environmental laws. The plea also questions approvals granted by the ESZ Monitoring Committee, citing insufficient details and a lack of prior environmental clearance for an area exceeding 20,000 square metres. State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, whose constituency includes the project area, stated that all approvals are in place and work will proceed as planned.