.webp)
Environmental
Clearance Mechanism Restored — Major Boost for Affordable and Mid-Income
Housing in MMR & Pune
Mumbai,
August 6, 2025 : In a major legal victory for
the real estate sector, the Hon’ble Supreme Court today disposed of W.P.(C)
166/2025 – Vanashakti vs Union of India, a case initiated by CREDAI-MCHI, the
apex body of real estate industry in MMR, reaffirming that the State Environment
Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC)
shall continue to remain the competent authorities for project-level
environmental assessments.
This landmark
ruling brings long-awaited relief to over 493 projects stalled in the Mumbai
Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune, affecting more than 70,000 housing units,
particularly in the affordable and mid-income segments. The judgment removes
regulatory ambiguity that had severely impacted project approvals, construction
timelines, and homebuyer confidence.
The Supreme Court
has also struck down key portions of the 2014 and 2016 notifications —
specifically Clause 14(a) and Appendix 16 — that had sought to introduce an
Environmental Cell under local authorities, a move that would have led to
confusion and potential overlaps in jurisdiction. Additionally, the court
rejected the differential regulatory treatment for industrial sheds and
educational buildings under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,
underscoring the need for uniformity in environmental regulation.
Domnic
Romell, President, CREDAI-MCHI, said, “This
judgment is a direct result of CREDAI-MCHI’s proactive legal intervention to
protect the interests of our members and the thousands of homebuyers impacted
by stalled projects. We initiated this petition to bring clarity to an
increasingly complex and ambiguous environmental clearance process, and we are
grateful that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has upheld the role of SEIAA and SEAC
as competent authorities.
This is a
monumental relief for Maharashtra’s real estate sector. We thank our legal
team, senior counsels, and the leadership across CREDAI who stood firmly behind
this initiative. This victory reflects the strength of united industry advocacy
and our resolve to drive meaningful reform.”
This judgment is
the outcome of a sustained legal initiative by CREDAI-MCHI, reinforcing the
association’s ongoing commitment to regulatory clarity, timely project
delivery, and safeguarding the interests of both developers and homebuyers.
The official order
is awaited and will be uploaded shortly.
ABOUT
CREDAI-MCHI
CREDAI-MCHI is an
apex body comprising members from the Real Estate Industry in the Mumbai
Metropolitan Region (MMR). With an impressive membership of over 1800+ leading
developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI has extended its reach throughout the region,
establishing units in various locations such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli,
Mira-Virar, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, Palghar-Boisar, Bhiwandi, Uran-Dronagiri,
Shahapur-Murbad, and most recently in Alibag, Karjat-Khalapur-Khopoli, and Pen.
Being the only Government-recognized body for private sector developers in MMR,
CREDAI-MCHI is dedicated to promoting the industry’s organization and
progress.
As a part of CREDAI
National, an apex body of 13000 developers across the nation, CREDAI-MCHI has
emerged as a preferred platform for regional discussions on housing and habitat
by establishing close and strong ties with the government. It is committed to
breaking barriers to create a strong, organized, and progressive real estate
sector in the MMR.The vision of CREDAI-MCHI is to empower the Real Estate
fraternity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as it preserves, protects, and
advances the right to housing for all. To continue being a trusted ally,
guiding their members, supporting the Government on policy advocacy, and
assisting those they serve through the ever-evolving real estate fraternity.
Website: https://mchi.net/
