The Bombay High Court's Kolhapur bench has issued a significant directive to the National Highways Authority of India concerning a crucial infrastructure project passing through an ecologically sensitive zone. The court has ordered the NHAI to appoint a dedicated project director for the ongoing construction of the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri stretch of the Nagpur-Ratnagiri national highway, which cuts through the protected Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR).
Court's Stern Directive for Conservation
Expressing concern over the potential environmental impact, the bench comprising Justice M. S. Karnik and Justice Ajit B. Kadethankar emphasized that the project must be executed with utmost care to conserve the tiger reserve. The court's intervention came during a hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Atul Annasaheb Chougule, highlighting public difficulties due to the long-pending and incomplete highway work.
The judges questioned why the NHAI had failed to appoint a project director for such a critical project, especially given its path through difficult terrain and a vital tiger corridor. "We direct NHAI to appoint a project director for such an important project," stated Justice Karnik. He further stressed, "Tiger reserve has to be conserved. You have to be careful, therefore you need a project director and cannot be casual." The court underscored that public money is involved and round-the-clock careful supervision is non-negotiable.
Project Status and Deadlines
During the proceedings, the NHAI informed the court that the project is currently 70% completed. The authority also provided a revised timeline for the project's completion. While the original deadline was May 30, 2025, the NHAI has now set an extended deadline of May 30, 2026, by which they assured the court the entire project would be ready.
The project, which was sanctioned several years ago, finally commenced physical work in May 2023. The petitioner's counsel brought to light the absence of a full-time project director to oversee this complex and environmentally sensitive undertaking.
Next Steps and NHAI's Deadline
The High Court bench has given the NHAI time until January 15 to file its reply on the two primary contentions raised in the petition. The court expects a detailed explanation on the delay in appointing a project director and the specific measures being taken to safeguard the tiger reserve during construction.
This directive puts the spotlight on the delicate balance between infrastructure development and environmental conservation. The court's order mandates that the NHAI must factor in the highway's passage through the tiger corridor and demonstrate the care being taken to minimize ecological disruption.
