Mumbai: The Bombay High Court today observed that any project that affects forest and environment and is inconsistent with the law laid down, cannot be permitted to go on.
The observation was made by Justice D D Sinha while hearing a public interest litigation filed by four activists, including Mayank Gandhi, pointing out irregularities in the awarding and construction of Kondhane dam project in Raigad district.
Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Mihir Desai, argued that hundreds of acres of forests will be affected by this project which does not even have the requisite permission from the environment ministry.
Desai further pointed out that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had a few months back issued a stop-work notice on the project as it was also affecting some caves in the vicinity. However, the construction work was still on, he claimed.
"Any activity inconsistent with law or if found affecting the environment will be prohibited. But the court would first like to see what the other side has to say on the petition," Justice Sinha said.
The lawyers appearing for the developers of the project FA Constructions and the state government today told the court that they would file their affidavits to the allegations leveled in the PIL within five weeks.
PTI
