The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Zone Bench in Pune has mandated the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) to finalize the notification for the Western Ghats eco-sensitive area following a petition from social activist Lalita Shinde. Shinde, represented by Advocates Lakshyaved Odhekar and Indrayani Patani, filed the petition against the Trimbakeshwar Municipal Council in 2023.
The petition focused on halting construction and mining activities in the Brahmagiri region of Nashik, citing environmental risks such as landslides and ecological damage due to illegal construction and excavation. An expert committee appointed by the NGT determined that the construction activities were not illegal, but Shinde continued to raise concerns about the environmental impact.
NGT Judicial Members Dinesh Kumar Singh and Dr. Vijay Kulkarni acknowledged the importance of the MOEF&CC expediting the decision on the draft notification designating the Western Ghats as an eco-sensitive zone. Shinde’s attorney highlighted the potential threats to the environment posed by any construction within this area.
The MOEF&CC is now tasked with finalizing the eco-sensitive area notification to address the concerns raised by Shinde and ensure that development in the Western Ghats region aligns with environmental protections. This decision signifies a crucial step in balancing development and environmental preservation in one of India’s most sensitive ecological regions.
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