Suryanagar
In its Aug 29 judgment, the high court bench observed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) itself, in its report, has raised serious concerns over undertaking a housing project of such magnitude. As the report is yet to be accepted or rejected by the Supreme Court, proceeding with the project would be contrary to the relevant provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the statutory guidelines issued by the MoEFCC and public interest, the court said. On Jan 13, 2025, a single judge allowed acquisition of agricultural lands subject to the respondents obtaining necessary clearances from the ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), while quashing acquisition of converted lands except for roads under the Comprehensive Development Plan.
“We are, therefore, of the view that since the project in question itself falls within the Bannerghatta National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone of 268.9 sqkm., the whole project is misconceived and would have irreversible ecological, environmental and wildlife related consequences. Therefore, the entire land acquisition proceedings are nothing but an exercise without undertaking the relevant considerations such as, scientific study of environment impact assessment, socio-ecological factors etc., as flagged by the Central Empowered Committee,” the bench observed.
Emphasising that development cannot come at the cost of ecological conservation, the court said, “Housing is not the only requirement for human existence. The division bench highlighted the importance of elephant corridors, calling them “critical ecological linkages” essential for the long-term conservation of elephants and their ecosystems. the court said it would come at the cost of wildlife habitat While the Suryanagar project seeks to provide affordable housing.
Ecology, wildlife, forest, water streams etc., all are equally important for human existence. Landowners challenged the notifications. Both the landowners and KHB challenged the order through separate writ appeals. The bench held that public purpose cannot override environmental conservation. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru
It observed that the effectiveness of the ESZ, particularly its role in conservation and mitigating human-wildlife conflict, had not been adequately considered before undertaking such a project. ‘Ecology and environment are important’