Trans-Harbour Link: MMRDA may move Supreme Court against nod suspension

The state government will contest suspension of environment clearance to Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) project in the Supreme Court. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had suspended the clearance, saying appropriate procedure was not followed and marine areas that will be affected due to the project.

When asked about the suspension of clearance that was issued in 2013, Commissioner of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), UPS Madan, said, "The ball is in the court of Ministry of Environment and Forests. They have to take certain measures."

The NGT, meanwhile, pointed out that there were flaws in the project as the impact on marine life was not studied. In addition to that, there is a need for noise barriers and a comprehensive environment impact assessment study.

Due to the suspension of the environment nod, the 22-km sea link project connecting Sewri with Chirle might get delayed once again. "We may even appeal against the order in the Supreme Court," added Madan.

MMRDA had planned to initiate the project sometime in 2016, and to get loan agreement signed with Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) by the end of this financial year. If re-application is made to secure an environment clearance for the Rs11,000 crore project, it would mean rescheduling by at least six months.