Bombay HC Warns Of Oxygen Crisis Due To Mangrove Loss

The Bombay High Court expressed concern over the loss of mangroves in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) on Tuesday. The court warned that if the green cover continues to shrink, people may have to carry oxygen cylinders to take oxygen shots.

The court made this observation while hearing a plea by Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd. (MSETCL) seeking permission to fell 847 mangrove trees for laying a 132 KV transmission line from Dahanu to Ambesari in Palghar district. The transmission line is part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.

The Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad, questioned the afforestation plan proposed by the authorities. The court noted that the problem is not just cutting trees, but also ensuring that compensatory plantations survive. The court orally remarked that the authorities only create a picture of planting something, but do not check if the plants are alive after planting.

The court also questioned the proposal for compensatory afforestation outside the affected region. The Bench suggested finding a better place for afforestation, rather than planting trees in areas that already have a lot of trees. Advocate General Milind Sathe, appearing for the state, submitted that the government would identify degraded forest land in the same region for afforestation.

The proposed transmission line requires diversion of 3.35 hectares of forest land, including 1.9656 hectares of mangrove forest. The plea claims that three alternative alignments were examined, and the final route was selected to minimize the impact on forests and other ecologically sensitive areas. The transmission line is urgently required, as the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the bullet train project in October.

After the 2018 Bombay High Court judgment, all public infrastructure projects involving mangrove felling require the court's permission. The Bench reserved its order on the plea, which seeks permission for diversion of at least 3.35 hectares of forest land containing 1.9656 hectares of mangrove forest.

The loss of mangroves in Mumbai and the MMR has been a concern for environmentalists and citizens. Mangroves play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and providing oxygen to the city. The court's warning highlights the importance of preserving the green cover in the city.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has been a topic of discussion, with many raising concerns about its impact on the environment. The project requires large-scale infrastructure development, including transmission lines and railway tracks. The court's observation emphasizes the need for sustainable development and environmental conservation.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's warning about the loss of mangroves in Mumbai and the MMR highlights the importance of preserving the green cover in the city. The court's observation emphasizes the need for sustainable development and environmental conservation, and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting the city's ecological balance.

The fate of the mangroves and the transmission line project now rests with the court, which will deliver its verdict in due course. The decision will have significant implications for the city's environment and the bullet train project. As the city waits for the court's decision, citizens and environmentalists can only hope that the green cover will be preserved for future generations.

The court's warning also raises questions about the city's preparedness for environmental disasters. With the increasing loss of green cover, the city may face severe consequences, including oxygen shortages. The court's observation serves as a wake-up call for the authorities to take immediate action to preserve the city's ecological balance.

In the end, the preservation of mangroves in Mumbai and the MMR is crucial for the city's environment and citizens. The court's warning highlights the need for sustainable development and environmental conservation, and emphasizes the importance of preserving the green cover in the city.