Mumbai: The Adani Group and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) have contended that the proposed development on a plot of land at Bandra Reclamation is outside the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and hence free for development.

Two separate affidavits were filed – by representatives of Adani Group and MOEFCC respectively – in the Bombay High Court in response to a PIL challenging the proposed commercial development of land at Bandra reclamation.

The PIL, filed by activist Zoru Bathena and the Bandra Reclamation Area Volunteers Organisation (BRAVO), contests the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation’s (MSRDC) move to develop the land, arguing that such construction is prohibited under CRZ norms. The petition seeks adherence to CRZ regulations, a stay on development, and restoration of the land as a green space.

In its affidavit, Adani’s representative Akshay Bhalerao refuted claims that the land falls within the CRZ, calling the petition “factually and admittedly false and misleading.” He cited a report from the Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University, Chennai, which, after superimposing the site on Mumbai’s approved Coastal Zone Management Plan, concluded that the project site is outside the CRZ. Adani argued that the PIL is premature, as the MSRDC’s tender for the land in January 2024 explicitly stated that all statutory clearances would be obtained before development.

The affidavit detailed the historical context, stating that the Government of Maharashtra had applied for permission to reclaim land in 1993 for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. While the 1991 CRZ Notification prohibited such reclamation, a 1997 amendment allowed it for projects like sea links.

Environmental clearance was granted in 1999, leading to the completion of the sea link in 2009. The reclaimed land was subsequently transferred to MSRDC in 2016, with conditions requiring compliance with development regulations and necessary approvals.

MSRDC issued a tender in January 2024 for the development of a 57-acre parcel, of which 29 acres are reserved for social amenities, roads, and gardens, while 28 acres are available for development. Adani, as the highest bidder, received the contract in March 2024. The affidavit stressed that the land’s current use as a casting yard does not justify restoring it as a green space under CRZ norms.

A separate affidavit filed by E. Thirunavukkarasu, a scientist with MOEFCC, referred to a report from the ministry’s Nagpur office confirming that the land reclaimed for the sea link remained within approved limits. The report also stated that any future development would require permissions from relevant authorities.