'People Will Take Oxygen Shots': Bombay High Court On Shrinking Green Cover
The Bombay High Court expressed serious concern over the shrinking green cover in Mumbai and surrounding areas, warning that residents might soon need oxygen cylinders if deforestation continues for development. The court criticized the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (MSETCL) for seeking to cut 847 mangrove trees for a bullet train power line and also slammed the state's ineffective compensatory afforestation practices.
Why it matters
This highlights the critical environmental impact of infrastructure development in densely populated regions and the judiciary's role in holding authorities accountable for ecological preservation and effective environmental policies. It underscores the long-term consequences of unchecked development on public health and natural resources.
The Bombay High Court voiced serious concern over the loss of green cover in and around Mumbai, warning that the day may not be far when residents will have to carry oxygen cylinders and take periodic "oxygen shots" if forests and mangroves continue to be cleared for development projects.The observation came on Tuesday during the hearing of a plea filed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (MSETCL), which has sought permission to cut 847 mangrove trees spread across 3.35 hectares of forest land in Palghar district. The land is required for the construction of a 13.06-km power transmission line linked to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad said the destruction of trees and mangroves was causing irreversible damage to the region's environment."It is a loss for this area.
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