Bombay High Court Approves Radio Club Jetty Project Near Gateway of India Amid Environmental Safeguards

The Bombay High Court has upheld the state government and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Board's (MMB) decision to construct a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near Radio Club, stating that the project aligns with principles of sustainable development. The verdict came after examining three petitions, including one filed by Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association, that challenged the government's decision to construct the jetty along with Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority clearance and traffic and heritage no-objection certificates.

Petitioners Raise Concerns Over Heritage Impact

The petitioners argued that the Gateway of India monument holds Grade I heritage status, with the promenade located within 100 meters of the precinct. They contended that the project's scale includes a 64,000 square feet terminal featuring a cafe, shops, open amphitheatre and VIP lounge, along with a tennis racket-shaped jetty extending over half a kilometer into the sea. According to them, the operational facility would dwarf the area and dominate the sea-front while congesting the already crowded location.

Court Validates Heritage and Traffic Clearances

The judges noted that the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee had recorded that the jetty would not obstruct views of surrounding heritage structures, finding no infirmity in the heritage NOC. The traffic police NOC was deemed valid as it considered that the jetty's parking facility would help decongest P J Ramchandani Road. This development reflects the ongoing infrastructure transformation impacting Mumbai's future.

Sustainable Development Principles Met

The judges stated that the project meets sustainable development principles where the proposed development would be carried out with minimal environmental damage. It envisages construction involving virtually no reclamation of the sea. The MCZMA had applied its mind to all environmental concerns before granting clearances.

Alternative Site Considerations Addressed

When petitioners mentioned that a 2000 report recommending Ferry Wharf for passenger jetty was not disclosed, the judges clarified that the purpose then was to connect Mumbai to Navi Mumbai. The present jetty aims to decongest the existing five small jetties used by around 35 lakh passengers. The MCZMA was not required to consider alternative sites.

Strict Operational Guidelines Imposed

The judges emphasized that the project's dominant purpose is providing facilities for passenger embarkation and disembarkation. Other facilities like amphitheatre, restaurant, and cafe are merely ancillary and must be used to make the jetty functional. Being conscious that no sewage treatment plant was envisaged in the project and that functioning of facilities should not be detrimental to the environment, they issued specific directions after confirmation from advocate general Birendra Saraf.

Facility Usage Restrictions

The MMB must ensure that the amphitheatre shall be used only as a sitting area for passengers and not as a place of entertainment in any manner. Additionally, the proposed restaurant/cafe shall only be used to provide water and packed food products to passengers and shall not be used for providing dining facilities. After project completion, existing jetties at Gateway shall be discontinued in a phased manner as directed by the Indian Navy.

Project Timeline and Implementation

Ports Minister Nitesh Rane announced that the Radio Club jetty project will proceed as per Bombay High Court orders. Nearly 20% of the jetty work has already been completed, and the facility will become operational by May next year. Speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan premises, Rane stated that the proposed Radio Club Jetty project near Mumbai's Gateway of India received the green light from the Bombay High Court.

The court dismissed all three petitions filed against the project and issued clear directives to ensure compliance with several important conditions during implementation. Rane described this judgment as a significant milestone in the development of coastal infrastructure in Mumbai, while also underscoring the need for balanced coordination between commuter convenience, environmental protection, and local authority directives. This development joins other major Mumbai infrastructure upgrades impacting travel and real estate in the region.