The Supreme Court has agreed to consider a petition brought forth by the non-governmental organisation Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), which challenges the approvals received for ‘Acqua Eden’, a proposed high-density luxury residential project in Sancoale, Goa. This decision was made on Wednesday, September 2, during court proceedings involving a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. The GBA’s petition specifically contests a previous ruling by the Bombay High Court that dismissed its objections to the project.

Details Of The Project

The ‘Acqua Eden’ project is described as covering approximately 35,050 square metres, with plans for a built-up area nearing 85,886 square metres. Notably, the design includes 685 private swimming pools and provisions for parking up to 800 vehicles. The project has generated considerable controversy, as the GBA argues that the approvals were granted through questionable methods, particularly regarding the calculation of the site’s slope.

According to the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, any development on slopes exceeding 25 per cent is prohibited. The GBA contends that the authorities responsible for the project miscalculated the average slope across the site, thereby concealing steeper areas that would otherwise be deemed non-developable. This has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the project’s foundations.

Another significant aspect of the petition pertains to environmental concerns. The GBA alleges that the necessary environmental clearance has not been acquired, despite the project’s area exceeding the stipulated threshold of 20,000 square metres where such clearance becomes mandatory. This further complicates the situation, as environmental regulations play a critical role in the approval of large-scale construction projects in Goa.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

The Supreme Court has issued notices to both the Goa government and the developer, M/s Parmesh Constructions Company Ltd., as part of the hearing process. This step signifies the court’s recognition of the seriousness of the claims raised by the GBA. The NGO seeks the quashing of the earlier project approvals as well as an interim stay on the Bombay High Court’s decision. This signifies a broader legal confrontation over both the legality and environmental implications of major construction initiatives in ecologically sensitive regions.

Although specific dates for future hearings have yet to be publicised, the Supreme Court’s willingness to entertain the plea indicates a commitment to scrutinising the intricate details surrounding construction regulations and environmental protections in Goa. The outcome may set important precedents for similar cases and impact future developmental activities on the state’s hilly terrains.

This case not only highlights the ongoing debate about urban development in environmentally fragile areas but also showcases the role of civil society in challenging state and corporate actions related to land use. The developments in this case will be closely monitored by various stakeholders, including environmentalists, legal experts, and local residents who have vested interests in sustainable development practices in Goa.

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