SC asks Bombay HC to expeditiously decide plea against expansion of landfill site

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Bombay High Court to expeditiously decide a plea of an environment group against expansion of the Kanjurmarg landfill site near Mumbai on the ground that it was part of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.

The apex court was hearing the appeal of environment group 'Vanashakti' against the high court's order of December 6, 2019, by which the earlier stay granted on the environmental clearance (EC) for the expansion of the landfill site was vacated.

"Having heard counsel for the parties at length, we are of the view that the interest of justice would be best served if the high court dispose of the matter pending before it, as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of three months from today. Order accordingly," said the bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant.

"We also consider it appropriate if the high court obtain the report of an expert body like Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) before taking a final decision," it said while disposing off the appeal of 'Vanashakti'.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for one of the parties that have been granted environmental clearance for expansion of the landfill site, said, "Four times environmental clearances have been granted to us and each time a plea is filed against it. We do not only dump the waste, we treat them as well."