On Friday( 26th April),Supreme Court notices plea against BPCL’s tree cutting for pipeline project from Chembur to Raigad. Requests responses from Centre and Maharashtra government.
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NEW DELHI: On Friday( 26th April),The Supreme Court has taken notice of a plea challenging the permission granted to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for the cutting of 11,600 trees to facilitate the laying of underground pipelines from its refinery in Chembur to Raigad.
The Court has sought responses from both the Centre and the Maharashtra government regarding this matter. The bench, headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the Centre, to provide a response to the plea.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the petitioner, expressed concerns that the mangroves in the area were being destroyed due to this project. The petitioner has approached the Supreme Court after the Bombay High Court dismissed his plea against the tree cutting for BPCL’s pipeline project from Mahul in Chembur to Rasayani in Raigad district.
In response to the allegations, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the plea, stating that he would seek instructions on the matter and provide a comprehensive response to the court. The Supreme Court has taken note of the plea and has given the Centre and the Maharashtra government an opportunity to present their stance on the issue.
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The Bombay High Court, in its previous ruling, had upheld the decision to grant approval for the tree cutting by stating that expert bodies had thoroughly examined the matter before granting the necessary permissions. The court emphasized that it would not interfere with the decisions made by expert bodies and would not act as a reviewing authority.
Environmental activist Zoru Bhathena has been at the forefront of this matter, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the mangroves and the ecological balance they provide. Bhathena’s plea seeks a reconsideration of the Bombay High Court’s decision and a halt to the tree cutting activities.
The Supreme Court’s decision to seek responses from the Centre and the Maharashtra government indicates a willingness to thoroughly examine the matter and consider all relevant factors. The Court’s intervention in this case demonstrates its commitment to protecting the environment while also ensuring that due process is followed.
BACKGROUND
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) sought permission from the Bombay High Court to cut 11,677 trees, including 10,582 mangroves, for laying four pipelines from its refinery in Mahul to Rasayani in Raigad district. This request was necessitated as the pipelines would traverse lands owned by the Mumbai Port Authority Land, CIDCO, and private lands, requiring mangrove clearance.
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The High Court had previously mandated that projects involving mangrove cutting must secure prior approval. BPCL argued that the pipeline project was vital due to the absence of a railway line for transporting petroleum products between Mahul and Rasayani. They emphasized the benefits of underground pipelines in reducing transportation costs and risks associated with road transportation, such as floods. After BPCL obtained requisite permissions and deposited funds for compensatory afforestation, the High Court granted permission, contingent on BPCL’s compliance with all conditions imposed by regulatory authorities.
