Wed Jul 16 02:38:09 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Bombay High Court dismissed petitions against the construction of a large passenger jetty and terminal facility near the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The petitioners raised concerns about environmental impact, heritage aesthetics, and procedural irregularities. The court ruled that the project received lawful clearance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and that it was being developed sustainably. However, the court issued specific directives concerning the use of the amphitheater and restaurant facilities to ensure they primarily serve passengers. The project aims to improve connectivity and decongest traffic but has faced opposition from local residents due to its potential impact on the environment and heritage of the area.
**News Article:**
**Bombay High Court Greenlights Gateway of India Jetty Project Despite Objections**
*Mumbai, July 16, 2025* – The Bombay High Court has dismissed petitions challenging the construction of a ₹229 crore passenger jetty and terminal facility near Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India. The ruling allows the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to proceed with the controversial project, which aims to modernize maritime transport and alleviate congestion in the area.
The court, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, ruled that the project had received the necessary approvals from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and that environmental concerns had been adequately addressed. The bench emphasized that development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive if approached with careful sustainability practices and adherence to regulations.
The petitioners, including local residents’ associations and individuals, had raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on the ecologically sensitive coastal zone and the historical integrity of the Gateway of India area. They argued that the project was misclassified to bypass stricter environmental scrutiny and that alternative locations were not adequately considered.
The proposed facility includes a terminal platform, a “tennis racquet-shaped” jetty extending into the sea, an open-air amphitheater, and dining options. The court acknowledged the ancillary nature of the amphitheater and restaurant, stating that their use should be primarily for passengers utilizing the jetty. It also mandated the MMB to ensure that existing jetties are phased out once the new facility is operational.
While the court acknowledged the project’s aim to improve passenger connectivity and decongest traffic, it also stressed the importance of mitigating any adverse environmental effects. The MMB must ensure that the project’s functioning does not harm the environment, as there are no plans for a sewage treatment plant as part of the construction. This ruling marks a significant step forward for the project, which is expected to transform the maritime landscape around the Gateway of India, but the environmental and heritage concerns raised by the petitioners continue to linger.
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