Bombay High Court urges Maharashtra Government to declare ecologically sensitive area

Petition for ecological protection

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to provide information about the actions taken to designate the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg corridor as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). This decision comes in response to a petition filed by NGOs Vanashakti and Awaaz Foundation, which advocate for environmental conservation.

The petitioners have been seeking the declaration of the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg corridor as an ESA for several years. However, the court noted that no decision has been communicated on this matter since 2013. The high court bench, comprised of Justices Nitin Jamdar and Manjusha Deshpande, heard the case and directed the Maharashtra government to share the steps it has taken regarding this issue.

Background and legal proceedings

Advocate Zaman Ali, representing Vanashakti, highlighted that both the Maharashtra government and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) had filed affidavits agreeing to the designation of the area as an ESA. He referred to an order from 2013 by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who was a high court judge at that time. This order emphasized the ecological importance of the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg Corridor and urged swift action.

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In response to the court's queries, Ali mentioned that the MoEF has expressed willingness to finalize the ESA designation if a formal proposal is submitted by the state government. However, the court raised concerns about the irregular scheduling of hearings for the case. Ali explained that the state had cited ongoing satellite mapping and the involvement of the Wildlife Institute of India in preparing a report as reasons for the delay.

Steps towards resolution

The court pressed for progress on the matter and instructed the Maharashtra government representative, PP Kakde, to file an affidavit detailing the actions taken by the state to declare the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg corridor as an ESA. This information is expected to shed light on the measures and progress made in response to the longstanding petition.

The designation of the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg corridor as an Ecologically Sensitive Area carries significant implications for conservation efforts in the region. If properly designated, it could help protect the delicate balance of ecosystems and biodiversity in the area. The court's directive to provide information about the steps taken indicates a move towards addressing the concerns raised by environmental groups.

The next hearing for this case is scheduled for September 7, during which the Maharashtra government is expected to present the details of its efforts to declare the corridor as an ESA. This ongoing legal process highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies and environmental advocates to ensure the preservation of ecologically sensitive areas for future generations.

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