Mumbai News : High Court Intervention in Sewage Project Case; Orders to Halt Transit Camp Work

Mumbai – The Mumbai High Court has ordered the immediate halt of construction work on the transit camp buildings being erected under the slum rehabilitation project on the land reserved by the municipal corporation for the expansion of the sewage treatment plant (STP). Expressing a prima facie suspicion of serious irregularities in this matter, the court has questioned the role of the concerned officials.

The hearing of this petition took place before the bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Atis Sathe. During the hearing, the court observed that the behavior of some officials in the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) appears prima facie suspicious. The court also noted that there was an attempt to suppress important objections raised by the municipal corporation.

Taking serious note of the matter, the bench has directed the SRA's Chief Executive Officer to conduct a thorough investigation into the roles of the concerned Deputy Chief Engineer and Executive Engineer. The court has also ordered the transfer or suspension of the concerned officers until the departmental inquiry is completed. Additionally, it has been clarified that a police investigation into the crime already registered by the SRA's Chief Executive Officer will also be conducted.

The most important point is, how was the area of 27,698.10 square meters reserved in the development plan for the expansion of the STP reduced to 17,750 square meters without any proper process, the court has directly questioned. The reasons and decision-making process behind this change have been sought from the state government and the municipal corporation.

The court has ordered both institutions to clarify their position through an affidavit and to present detailed information in the next hearing. The court has given a clear message that no irregularities will be tolerated in the expansion of the environmentally important sewage project. Due to this order, the work on the related project has been temporarily halted, and further decisions will be made after the inquiry report. This decision is considered important in terms of ensuring transparency and accountability in the administration.