HC restrains quarrying activity in Powai, Vikhroli

Mumbai, Oct 11 (UNI) The Bombay High Court, while restraining quarrying activities by two conglomerates in Powai and Vikhroli, has today directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to initiate action against them if there is violation of environmental regulations.

A division bench comprising Justice R M Lodha and Justice S A Bobde was hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO Bombay Environmental Action Group alleging that the quarrying of stones in the said areas was leading to environmental hazards.

While the MPCB had filed affidavits in October confirming the quarrying activities, no action was taken against Godrej and Boyce quarrying at Vikhroli and Supreme Infrastructure Private Limited at Powai (Hiranandani).

The petitioner also alleged that Godrej and Boyce had not conducted an environmental impact assessment and the court directed that if the MPCB found this to be the case, they should initiate action against them including prosecution.

The MPCB has also been directed to submit an Action Taken Report within two months. The case will come up for further hearing on December 14.

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