Bombay High Court Rejects PILs Against Eco-Sensitive Acqua Eden Real Estate Project
Panaji: The Bombay High Court has dismissed two public interest litigations (PILs) filed by Sancoale villagers and Goa Bachao Abhiyan against the Acqua Eden real estate project. The project, being developed by M/s Parmesh Construction Co. (Bhutani Infra), is located in Sancoale, Goa, an area known for its rich biodiversity and environmental significance.
The division bench comprising Justices Bharati Dangre and Nivedita Mehta dismissed the PILs, stating that the reasons for the dismissal will be recorded in a detailed order that is not yet available. The petitioners raised serious concerns about the project, alleging grave illegalities and environmental violations.
The PILs sought the quashing and setting aside of the clearances and licenses for the Acqua Eden project. The petitioners argued that the permissions were granted fraudulently and that the construction would cause irreversible damage to the natural green cover and biodiversity. They also highlighted that the project would result in the depletion of natural resources, adversely affecting the natural groundwater table and putting the local villagers in peril.
Goa Bachao Abhiyan, one of the petitioners, 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. This poses grave environmental and safety risks to the local community in settlements at the foothill of the same.
The dismissal of these PILs has sparked mixed reactions. While the developers are likely to proceed with the project, environmental activists and local residents are concerned about the long-term impact on the region's ecology and the well-being of the community. The case underscores the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental conservation in sensitive areas like Sancoale.
The Bombay High Court's decision will be closely monitored by environmental groups and other stakeholders who are advocating for stricter regulations and more rigorous environmental impact assessments for projects in eco-sensitive areas. The detailed order from the court is expected to provide further clarity on the legal and environmental considerations that led to the dismissal of the PILs.
