HVDC Project: Pros and Cons of Bombay High Court’s Order Allowing Mangrove Cutting for HVDC Project
On February 6, 2025, the Bombay High Court permitted Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Limited to cut 209 mangroves near Vasai Creek for the construction of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line. This decision has sparked a debate on the balance between development and environmental conservation.
Pros of the High Court’s Order ………..HVDC Project
1. Addressing Electricity Shortages
Mumbai and its suburbs are facing a significant shortage of electricity, with the existing transmission corridor unable to carry additional power into the city. The HVDC project aims to supply an additional 1,000 MW of electricity, increasing power from outside the city by almost 50%. This will help meet the ever-increasing energy demands of the region, benefiting millions of electricity consumers.
2. Boosting Economic Growth
The project is expected to support potential growth in Mumbai and its suburbs. By improving the electricity supply, it will create a more conducive environment for industrial and commercial activities, potentially attracting more businesses and investments.
3. Modernizing Infrastructure
The HVDC transmission line is part of a broader effort to modernize and strengthen the existing transmission infrastructure. The project involves an 80-kilometre stretch, with 30 km of overhead lines and 50 km of underground cables. This modernization will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electricity supply system.
4. Compliance with Legal Requirements
Adani has obtained all necessary statutory permissions for the project, including approvals from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The company has also deposited the required compensatory afforestation funds. This demonstrates that the project has undergone a thorough legal and regulatory process.
Cons of the High Court’s Order …….. HVDC Project
1. Environmental Impact
Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, providing habitat for various species, protecting against erosion, and acting as natural buffers against storms and tsunamis. Cutting 209 mangroves, including those in the Mumbai Mangrove Conservation Unit (MMCU) and Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) forest division, will have a negative impact on these ecosystems.
2. Potential for Further Environmental Damage
While only one kilometre of the HVDC link passes through mangrove areas, the construction process itself can cause additional environmental damage. The use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and duct bank trenches method across Vasai Creek may disrupt the natural flow of water and sediment, affecting the overall health of the mangrove ecosystem.
3. Concerns Over Transparency and Consistency
An NGO, the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG), opposed the plea, arguing that there was inconsistency in the number of mangroves to be cut. While MCZMA indicated 79 mangroves, the petitioner sought permission to cut 209. This raises questions about the accuracy and transparency of the information provided.
4. Setting a Precedent
The decision to allow the cutting of mangroves for a development project sets a precedent that could be used to justify similar actions in the future. This may undermine the 2018 high court order that imposed a “total freeze” on mangrove destruction across the state. Environmentalists fear that this could lead to a gradual erosion of protections for mangroves and other environmentally sensitive areas.
Conclusion ………. HVDC Project
The Bombay High Court’s order allowing the cutting of 209 mangroves for the HVDC project highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing development needs with environmental conservation. While the project promises significant benefits in terms of electricity supply and economic growth, it also poses risks to the mangrove ecosystem and sets a precedent that could have broader implications for environmental protection.
As the project moves forward, it will be crucial to closely monitor its implementation to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized and that the benefits are realized as expected. This case underscores the need for careful planning, transparent decision-making, and robust environmental safeguards in development projects.