Bombay High Court Permits Adani Group To Cut 209 Mangroves For Power Line Construction

Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday has authorized the Adani Group to remove 209 mangroves to facilitate the construction of a high-voltage transmission line, recognizing its critical role in augmenting electricity supply to Mumbai and its suburban regions.

In its ruling dated February 6, a division bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre underscored that the existing transmission corridor lacks the necessary capacity to accommodate the city’s escalating energy demands.

The court adjudicated in favor of a petition filed by Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Limited, seeking judicial approval for the clearance of mangroves near Vasai Creek to establish a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link between two transmission substations.

The project encompasses an 80-kilometer transmission network, of which 30 kilometers will consist of overhead transmission lines, while the remaining 50 kilometers will be installed as underground cables within the mangrove ecosystem.

The HVDC infrastructure will extend across Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts, with only a one-kilometer section traversing mangrove-dense regions, as stated by the petitioner.

In delivering its verdict, the bench emphasized the necessity of reconciling developmental imperatives with ecological sustainability. “The HVDC project is essential for augmenting Mumbai’s electricity supply and meeting the city’s growing energy requirements,” the court observed.

Considering the project’s broad public utility and the direct advantages it confers upon electricity consumers, the court deemed it appropriate to grant the requested approval. This decision aligns with a 2018 Bombay High Court directive that enforces a comprehensive moratorium on mangrove destruction across Maharashtra, mandating judicial authorization for any such clearance related to public infrastructure initiatives.

The court further noted that Adani, pursuant to its transmission license, is obligated to operationalize the project by March 2025 and has secured all requisite statutory approvals for the removal of mangroves.

This ruling represents a pivotal advancement in fortifying Mumbai’s energy infrastructure while reinforcing the judiciary’s role in ensuring environmental accountability in large-scale developmental projects.