Bombay HC Allows Cutting 21,022 Trees for Transmission Lines in Palghar
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Bombay High Court has permitted the felling of 21,022 trees and diversion of 94.68 hectares of forest for power transmission lines in Palghar, Maharashtra. This decision balances infrastructure needs with environmental concerns, highlighting judicial oversight in forest conservation.
Background
A September 2018 Bombay HC order prohibited non-forest activities in and around mangrove areas without prior court permission. MSETCL sought permission for a 132-KV DC transmission line project, with segments passing through protected and mangrove forests.
Key facts
Bombay HC allowed cutting of 21,022 trees and diversion of 94.68 hectares of forest for transmission lines in Palghar.
Project involves 80 km of 132-KV DC lines from Dahanu sub-station to Suryanagar, Kavdas, and Jawhar.
MSETCL deposited ₹30.80 crore for compensatory afforestation and 10-year maintenance.
Non-mangrove compensatory afforestation for 21,022 trees will be on 191 hectares in Solapur district.
Mangrove compensatory afforestation for 8.21 hectares will be on 25 hectares in North Konkan.
Court relied on MSETCL's assurance that past concerns over mangrove re-plantation will be addressed.
Bench comprised acting chief justice Ravindra Ghuge and justice Gautam Ankhad.
Prelims pointers
- Bombay High Court
- Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (MSETCL)
- Compensatory afforestation
- Mangrove forests
- Palghar district, Maharashtra
- 132-KV DC transmission line
- Dahanu and Jawhar
- Solapur district
- North Konkan
- September 2018 order on mangrove protection
Mains angles
- GS3: Infrastructure vs. Environment – Balancing development and forest conservation.
- GS2: Judiciary's role in environmental protection – Judicial oversight in forest diversion cases.
- GS3: Compensatory afforestation – Effectiveness and implementation challenges.
- GS2: Role of state electricity boards in infrastructure projects.