Protect sanctity of beaches: HC
‘Make in India’ event fire damaged Girgaum Chowpatty; court says it is a violation of one’s fundamental rights
Observing that the Maharashtra government’s ‘Make In India’ event held in February 2016 had caused ‘considerable damage’ to a part of Girgaum Chowpatty, the Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the State to carry out repair and restoration work within two months.
A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Pradeep Deshmukh said, “Beaches are an essential part of the environment and if beaches are polluted or damaged, then it would surely violate the fundamental right of citizens, as envisaged in Article 21 of the Constitution. This Article guarantees the right to live in a pollution-free environment.”
The observation was made while referring to the major fire that broke out at the
Make in India event that had gutted the entire stage. The incident was highlighted before judges through a petition which claimed that a major portion of the beach was damaged. The plea also highlighted destruction of the beach due to frequent functions and rallies.
Having noted the destruction due to the Make in India fire, Justice Oka said, “The incident caused considerable damage and destruction to a portion of the beach. The importance of Girgaum Chowpatty from the point of it being a major tourist attraction in Mumbai casts a duty on every citizen to protect it.”
“We cannot allow destruction of the beach by permitting rallies and functions at the site. Also, let us not forget that there are only a few open spaces in the city where citizens can breathe fresh air,” Justice Oka remarked.
The bench also noted ‘national importance’ of Girgaum Chowpatty since freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was cremated at this beach. “He made numerous sacrifices for freedom of our country. His work inspires the younger generation and this fact makes it necessary for us to ensure that sanctity of the beach is maintained by disallowing such events and keeping it pollution-free,” Justice Oka said.
The bench accordingly directed the city collector to carry out repair and restoration work within two months. The judges also asked the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority to ensure that no illegal structures are constructed near the beaches.
Posting the matter for further hearing on August 1, the judges asked the authorities to ensure that no event is held on the beach, except Ram Leela, Krishna Leela and Ganesh immersion.