The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has admitted an application filed by environmentalists challenging the seawall being built by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) at Aksa beach in Malad, due to its adverse impact. The NGT’s western bench, after hearing the advocate for the applicants, B N Kumar (director of NatConnect Foundation), and Zoru Bhathena (a Mumbai-based activist), stated in its order on Monday that there is a prima facie case showing a substantial question relating to the adverse impact on the environment.

Kumar and Bhathena brought the matter to the Tribunal’s attention, highlighting that the seawall violates CRZ1 norms as it is being constructed in the middle of the beach. They also noted that it contravenes the clearance granted by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), which specifically prohibited any construction on the beach but allowed “beautification” only on the landward side of the beach and CRZ2.