Balancing Environmental Protection and Public Infrastructure: Bombay High Court Permits Mangrove Cutting for Versova Bridge Project

sketch of the Bombay High Court
Case
BRIHANMUMBAI MUNICIPAL CORPORATION v. Union of India through the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (Bombay High Court, 17-09-2026)
Law
Constitution of India, Environment (Protection) Act.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Examination of the public trust doctrine regarding the protection and destruction of mangroves.
  • Application of the principle of sustainable development in balancing environmental preservation with public infrastructure needs.
  • Interpretation of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019, regarding permissible activities in coastal areas.
  • Legal requirements for compensatory in-situ mangrove restoration and long-term ecological monitoring under judicial oversight.
  • Scope of writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for granting exceptions to mangrove felling for public projects.