Bombay High Court Dismisses PILs Against Eco-Sensitive Acqua Eden Real Estate Project in Sancoale
Panaji: The Bombay High Court has dismissed two PILs filed by Sancoale villagers and Goa Bachao Abhiyan against the Acqua Eden real estate project, being developed by M/s Parmesh Construction Co. Ltd., also known as Bhutani Infra in Sancoale.
The division bench, comprising Justices Bharati Dangre and Nivedita Mehta, stated that the PILs were dismissed. The detailed reasons for the dismissal will be recorded in a comprehensive order, which is yet to be released.
The petitioners raised serious concerns about grave illegalities and environmental violations, seeking the quashing and setting aside of the clearances and licenses for the project situated in an eco-sensitive area. They alleged that the permissions were granted fraudulently and that the construction would result in irreversible damage to the natural green cover and biodiversity.
Apart from causing irreversible damage to the natural green cover and biodiversity, the petitioners argued that the construction would deplete natural resources, adversely affecting the natural groundwater table and putting villagers in peril. Goa Bachao Abhiyan submitted to the court that the project is being executed in an ecologically sensitive zone comprising non-developable steep slopes (25% and above), previously identified forested land, and areas prone to landslides, posing grave environmental and safety risks to the local community in settlements at the foothills of the same.
Despite these concerns, the court has chosen to dismiss the PILs, leaving the future of the Acqua Eden project and the surrounding environment in a state of uncertainty. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from environmental activists and local residents, who are now calling for a more thorough and transparent review of the project's environmental impact.
The Acqua Eden project, if allowed to proceed, could set a precedent for future real estate developments in eco-sensitive areas in Goa, potentially leading to further environmental degradation and social unrest. Environmentalists and community leaders are urging the government to take a more proactive role in protecting the region's natural resources and ensuring sustainable development practices are followed.
The Sancoale area, known for its lush green landscapes and rich biodiversity, is a crucial part of Goa's ecological heritage. The dismissal of the PILs has raised questions about the balance between economic development and environmental conservation, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and more robust enforcement mechanisms to safeguard the environment.
As the detailed order from the Bombay High Court is awaited, stakeholders and concerned citizens are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that will protect the environment and the well-being of the local community.
