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NGT flags green concerns in Chena Riverfront project
The National Green Tribunal admitted Vanshakti's petition challenging the Chena Riverfront project and issued notices to the state government, MBMC and other agencies to file replies within weeks, while noting substantial environmental questions. The case involves the project’s location in the SGNP ESZ and past activist concerns about riverbank modifications. The next hearing is scheduled for June 29, 2026.
Why It Matters
The case tests environmental safeguards in a sensitive ESZ buffer zone around SGNP and raises questions about compliance with environmental laws during riverfront development.
Timeline
4 Events
Next hearing scheduled (reported date)
May 3, 2026
The article reports that the next hearing is scheduled for June 29, 2026.
NGT admits petition and issues notices (April 24 order)
April 24, 2026
The National Green Tribunal (Western Zone bench, Pune) admitted Vanshakti's petition challenging the Chena Riverfront project and issued notices to the state government, MBMC and other agencies, directing replies within four weeks. The bench said the plea raises a substantial environmental question and noted that key project details are not on record; the next hearing was scheduled for June 29, 2026.
Activists flag 2025 riverfront concerns
2025
Last year, activists flagged debris dumping, excavation and concretisation along the riverbanks near Ghodbunder Road, including damage to grasslands and mangroves, and extension of concrete embankments along the river edge, allegedly in violation of environmental norms.
ESZ Monitoring Committee approves Chena Riverfront plan
March 2024
The Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, under the state forest department, approved the Chena Riverfront plan for Kashimira, modeled on the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, in March 2024.