The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) attempting to obstruct development projects by citing unfounded environmental risks. In a recent judgment, the Court dismissed an appeal by the ‘Kahar Samaj Panch Committee,’ which challenged the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) approval of a floating solar power project at Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, highlighted the potential misuse of environmental litigation, suggesting that some NGOs might be influenced by unsuccessful bidders or external entities aiming to hinder India’s progress.
The case centered on the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation’s (THDC) initiative to establish a floating solar power project on the Jayakwadi Dam, an earthen dam on the Godavari River in Paithan taluka of Sambhaji Nagar district. The ‘Kahar Samaj Panch Committee’ opposed this project, arguing that it would harm the area’s biodiversity and disrupt the bird sanctuary within the eco-sensitive zone. However, the NGT, after reviewing submissions from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, found that promoting solar energy projects aligns with the government’s policy objectives.
The Supreme Court noted that the NGO failed to provide a satisfactory response to the NGT’s inquiries about any legal prohibitions against establishing floating solar projects in eco-sensitive zones. The Court emphasized its commitment to addressing legitimate environmental concerns raised by sincere NGOs but cautioned against the emerging trend of rival entities forming NGOs to challenge projects under the guise of environmental protection.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on balancing environmental conservation with developmental needs, ensuring that environmental regulations are not misappropriated to stall projects that are in line with national policies.
Source: The Times of India