Versova-Madh Island Bridge A ‘Genuine Public Cause’: Bombay HC Allows Felling Of 1,237 Mangroves
Mumbai, September 18, 2026: The Bombay High Court has permitted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to cut 1,237 mangroves for construction of the proposed Versova-Madh Island connector bridge, observing that the project serves a “genuine public cause” and would significantly improve connectivity between Madh Island and Mumbai’s western suburbs. A bench of Chief Justice MC Tripathi and…
On September 18, 2026, the Bombay High Court granted permission for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to cut 1,237 mangroves for the construction of the Versova-Madh Island connector bridge. The court ruled that this project serves a "genuine public cause" and will greatly enhance connectivity between Madh Island and Mumbai's western suburbs by reducing travel distance from approximately 22 km to just 1.5 km.
The court also acknowledged the BMC's pledge to plant and monitor 39,000 mangroves over the next ten years at the affected site. The court emphasized that the bridge is not for private commercial gain but to provide essential public infrastructure and alleviate traffic congestion. The court warned that any breach of the promised ecological commitments could result in both civil and criminal penalties for the BMC.
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