Adani Realty Bandra Project: Bombay HC Informed That Development is Outside CRZ Regulations
The Adani Realty Bandra project has been at the center of a legal dispute regarding its compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) laws. However, the Union Environment Ministry and Adani Realty have informed the Bombay High Court (HC) that the 24-acre Bandra Reclamation plot near the Bandra-Worli Sea Link is completely outside the CRZ zone and is eligible for development.
This statement comes in response to two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) challenging the allotment of the land to Adani Realty, arguing that it violates previous environmental clearance conditions.
Despite activist claims that the land was meant to remain undeveloped, the government and Adani Realty maintain that the plot falls outside CRZ restrictions, making the Adani Realty Bandra project legally permissible.
Adani Realty Bandra Project: PILs Challenge Land Development Plans
The legal dispute surrounding the Adani Realty Bandra project originated from PILs filed by:
- Zoru Bhathena (Environmental Activist)
- Bandra Reclamation Area Volunteers Organisation
Key Concerns Raised in the PILs:
- The Bandra-Worli Sea Link was granted environmental clearance on the condition that reclaimed land near the toll plaza would not be used for commercial purposes.
- The PILs claim that the tender process for the land allotment violated this condition.
- CRZ regulations, according to the petitioners, do not allow commercial development on reclaimed land.
However, the Centre and Adani Realty have refuted these claims, asserting that the Adani Realty Bandra project site is legally suitable for development.
Adani Realty Bandra Project: Why It Is Outside CRZ Restrictions
1. Land Classification Excludes It from CRZ Zone
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), represented by Senior Counsel Milind Sathe, has clarified that Mahim Creek is classified as a bay.
- CRZ regulations for a bay area are limited to 100 meters from the shoreline, compared to 500 meters for open sea regions.
- Since the Adani Realty Bandra project site falls beyond this 100-meter CRZ limit, it is not restricted by CRZ regulations.
2. Official Reports Confirm That the Site Is Not Under CRZ
- A report submitted in October 2024 by the Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University, Chennai, confirmed that the Adani Realty Bandra project is outside CRZ limits.
- The Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) approved this classification.
- The Union Ministry’s affidavit (December 5, 2024) reiterated that the land falls outside CRZ under the 2019 CRZ notification, which supersedes previous regulations.
3. The Land Is Not Reserved for Open Spaces in Development Plan 2034
- According to MSRDC and Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), the Adani Realty Bandra project site is not reserved for open spaces, parks, or gardens.
- Under Development Plan 2034, the land is free for commercial development, reinforcing the legal validity of the project.
Adani Realty Bandra Project: Adani’s Response to the PILs
The Adani Realty Bandra project has faced criticism, with the PIL petitioners alleging that the land allotment process was flawed. However, Adani Realty has strongly denied these allegations in its affidavit submitted to the Bombay HC.
The Adani affidavit emphasized that:
✔ The PIL is based on “misconceptions and misleading information”.
✔ The land is legally outside CRZ limits, making it eligible for commercial development.
✔ The MSRDC tender floated in January 2024 clearly stated that all statutory environmental clearances would be obtained before development.
Adani Realty has requested the dismissal of the PIL, calling it premature and factually incorrect.
Bombay HC’s Response to the Adani Realty Bandra Project Case
A bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre heard the case and directed other authorities who had not yet filed their affidavits to submit them.
The court is expected to review:
- The CRZ classification of the Adani Realty Bandra project.
- Whether the land allotment process followed all legal protocols.
- Any further objections raised by environmental activists or local organizations.
While the legal battle continues, the government and Adani Realty remain firm in their stance that the land is legally permitted for development.
Adani Realty Bandra Project: Key Takeaways
✔ Union Ministry and Adani Realty confirm that the project site is NOT under CRZ restrictions.
✔ MSRDC report states that Mahim Creek is classified as a bay, reducing CRZ applicability to 100 meters.
✔ Official reports from Anna University confirm that the land falls outside CRZ limits.
✔ Development Plan 2034 does not reserve the land for parks or open spaces, making it legally viable for construction.
✔ Bombay HC awaits further affidavits before making a final decision.
Adani Realty Bandra Project Moves Forward Despite Legal Hurdles
The Adani Realty Bandra project has sparked significant environmental and legal debates, but the official stance from the Centre and MSRDC supports its development.
While activists continue to challenge the land allotment process, the government’s confirmation that the project is outside CRZ restrictions strengthens Adani Realty’s position.
As the Bombay High Court proceeds with hearings, the final outcome of this legal dispute will determine whether the Adani Realty Bandra project can move forward without further objections.
