The Bombay High Court (HC) permitted PILs to challenge the construction of a cycling and jogging track around Powai Lake since it was allegedly made in violation of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, cited reports.
This becomes a major blow to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) since the HC believes the cycle track is illegal. The HC reportedly held that the BMC is restrained from conducting any reclamation or construction work on Powai Lake.
In addition to this, the court also asked the BMC to promptly remove all the construction done and restore the reclaimed site to its earlier position, accounts mentioned.
Moreover, it also rejected the civic body's request to stay the operations of the judgement and added that the BMC could approach the Supreme Court.
The HC had earlier stayed on the project in November last year. The stay was enforced from time to time. Later in April, the court extended the stay till the verdict could be pronounced.
For those unversed, the BMC had suggested building a cycling track around Powai Lake. It was part of its plan to have cycling tracks throughout Mumbai.
However, the project faced stark opposition from residents and environmentalists alike since they believes it would have negative ramifications on the environment.
Also Read: Making Mumbai Environmentally Safe After The COVID-19 Pandemic
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