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Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Sustainable development also has to be permitted': SC refuses to halt felling of trees for Mumbai tunnel project
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to intervene with the permission granted for clearing trees to dig a shaft for lowering a boring machine to construct a tunnel linking Goregaon and Mulund in Mumbai. However, it said that the permission will be subject to the project proponents submitting a plan for compensatory afforestation and a report by experts on the need to cut the trees. 'Environment has to be protected, but sustainable development also has to be permitted,' Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, presiding over a two-judge bench, said. The Supreme Court then granted permission to the Maharashtra tree authority 'to proceed further with the application of the project proponent seeking permission for felling of the trees'. 'However, we clarify that no trees shall be actually felled without the permission of this court. We direct the project proponents to place on record the report of the experts showing that no other alternative than felling of 95 trees for digging of the shaft is available. The project proponent will also place on record the plan for compensatory afforestation to compensate for the loss of trees that would be felled for digging the shaft,' the bench also comprising Justice Vinod Chandran said in its order. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the project proponent, said the expert report is ready and will be submitted to the court. He pointed out that, as per the report, 11,000 trees will have to be planted as compensation. While only 95 trees are planned to be cut in the first phase, the entire project would necessitate 1,094 trees to be cut. 'No doubt that the protection of environment is important, as has been consistently held by us that the resources are held in trust for the future generations. However, at the same time, the necessity for carrying out developmental activities cannot be ignored,' the bench said. 'If the country has to progress, the development of infrastructure is also necessary. Unless a proper infrastructure is put in place, the country cannot progress. No doubt that while permitting such development, steps needs to be taken that least damage is caused to the environment. Further compensatory measures which has to compensate the loss caused to the environment have to be undertaken. It has already been insisted that the number of trees to be planted is in multiples of the trees felled. Taking into consideration this aspect of the matter, we are inclined to allow the application,' the bench added. Appearing for activists opposing the tree felling, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan said the shaft area fell in the environmentally fragile Aarey colony, where a controversy had risen some years ago over the felling of trees for constructing a car shed for Phase 3 of the Mumbai Metro Line project. He pointed out that in the course of the proceedings in the Aarey matter, the Supreme Court had on December 20, 2024, asked Maharashtra if there was any proposal to fell more trees in Aarey colony. Pointing out that the proponent of the tunnel project had moved the tree authority much earlier than this, on March 4, 2024, Sankaranarayanan said that the state in its reply affidavit filed on January 8, 2025, said, 'As per reports from MMRCL [Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd], at present there is no tree cutting proposal of MMRCL pending with the tree authority of the municipal corporation.' Countering this, Rohatgi said, 'That was for Metro carshed project, nothing to do with the tunnel project.' He added that the place where the shaft is to be dug is not in Aarey colony, but is a part of the Film City area. 'This not part of Aarey colony. This is Film City… though it falls within Film City area, as a matter of abundant precaution, application was moved (before SC),' he said. 'This is literally death by a thousand cuts. Every three months, they will come with an application,' Sankaranarayan said. To this, CJI Gavai said, 'We also have a concern for the environment. See Coastal Road, how much it was opposed and how it has facilitated residents of Mumbai. A person can come from airport to South Mumbai within 30 to 35 minutes. Earlier, it used to take 1.5 hours. If one uses Atal Setu, one can go to South Mumbai from Vashi within 40 minutes. We have always advocated that environment has to be protected, but at the same time, sustainable development also has to be permitted.'
Arab News
05-06-2025
- Arab News
Saudi interior minister inspects Hajj preparedness at holy sites
RIYADH: Saudi interior minister conducted a field tour on Wednesday to inspect the readiness of the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah (Holy Sites) Metro Line as pilgrims move to the holy site of Arafat. Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, who also heads the Supreme Hajj Committee, was briefed on the mechanisms of dispatching and scheduling train trips, in full integration with the relevant security and regulatory authorities, ensuring smooth operations and the safety of pilgrims the Saudi Press Agency said. The minister boarded a train ride to the Mina 3 (Jamarat) Station, where he inspected the station's readiness and facilities to receive pilgrims. The metro line is a high-capacity rail system in Makkah that operates for only seven days a year, during Hajj, as a shuttle service to take pilgrims to and from holy sites. It has a capacity of up to 72,000 passengers per hour. Prince Abdulaziz also visited the Facilities Security Forces, who regulate pedestrian movement and crowd management in the areas surrounding the metro stations, and was briefed on the forces' plans and role in supporting and assisting the Hajj Security Forces.
Calgary Herald
29-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Edmonton breaks ground on $1.3B Capital Line South LRT expansion
The latest expansion project for Edmonton's sprawling LRT lines broke ground on Thursday, that will, once completed, connect the current Heritage Valley transit centre on Ellerslie Road to Century Park by way of 111 Street. Article content Article content With plans to construct one underpass, two overpasses, and two additional LRT stations, the project is expected to take about five years to build and cost nearly $1.4 billion, barring any overruns on time or budget. The Capital Line South LRT expansion was prioritized in the city's ongoing transit buildout to accommodate what it expects will be 15,000 daily riders once complete because of the area's ballooning population. Article content Article content 'We are growing as a city. We have had over 140,000 people move here in the last three years. We're going to be a city of 1.25 million people projected by the end of this year. We can't stop building transit. We can't stop building ways for people to move,' said Edmonton's deputy mayor and ward papstew Coun. Michael Janz at the groundbreaking ceremony. Article content 'Alberta's provincial government is pleased to have committed $365 million in provincial funding for this project. Now this total includes a recent approval at the city's request to reallocate $41 million in provincial funding from the Metro Line and the Valley Line West LRT projects to support this Phase One of the Capital Line South LRT project,' Dreeshen said. Article content Article content Phase One of the project will add a high-floor LRT connecting the existing Century Park LRT station and spanning 4.5 km to the Heritage Valley Transit Centre, which is currently a park and ride, but will also get an LRT station as part of the expansion. The expansion includes an underpass under 111 Street and 23 Avenue as well as two new bridges over Blackmud Creek and Anthony Henday Drive. Phase one will also add an operations and maintenance facility on the south side of Anthony Henday Drive and a Twin Brooks LRT station. Article content Article content Dreeshen said the province's support for Edmonton's LRT projects ties into the Alberta government's plans to create an 'optimal passenger rail system' for Alberta. Further, he said the province expects to have a passenger rail master plan completed by the summer, which will outline a 15-year plan to create commuter and regional rail services around the province, including connecting Edmonton and Calgary's mass transit systems.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
CS reviews key infra projects, pushes for timely completion
Hyderabad: Telangana State Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao on Sunday inspected the ongoing major infrastructure works in the city. The inspection was a comprehensive review of the ongoing development works to ensure the projects are completed as per plan which are crucial for the city's urban infrastructure. The Chief Secretary emphasised that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is prioritising the growth of Hyderabad, noting that the ongoing development projects in the city were initiated under the Chief Minister's directive. On Sunday, Ramakrishna inspected various development works undertaken by SRDP and other departments. He examined the construction status of major flyovers, progress on Hyderabad Old City Metro Rail expansion, foot over bridge development, KBR H-City project advancement and sewage treatment plant operations. The CS was accompanied by MAUD Secretary K Ilambarithi, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed, GHMC Commissioner R V Karnan, Metro Railway MD NVS Reddy, Water Works MD Ashok Reddy and others. Initially, the Chief Secretary conducted an inspection of the foot over bridge (FoB) at GVK Mall in Banjara Hills. Later, he reviewed the Metro Line Alignment for the Old City Corridor at Darushifa. Metro Rail MD NVS Reddy outlined the planned Metro Line projects extending from the Old City Corridor MGBS Bus Station to Chandrayangutta and provided a detailed explanation to the Chief Secretary. He emphasised the need to accelerate the land acquisition process, noting that the community has been cooperative so far. CS evaluated the conservation, restoration, and repair efforts of the Khurshid Jha Devi Heritage Building in Hussainialam, funded by HMDA. Ramakrishna reviewed the progress of the Falaknuma RoB project. Ilambarthi and Karnan informed the Chief Secretary that the GHMC-related tasks are nearing completion. They assured that the acquisition of five properties for the service road will be finalised after the railway section is completed, with a target to finish within a month. The Chief Secretary has mandated that this be completed by August. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the project is executed properly and made available, noting that since work on the railway section has commenced, it is expected to be finished by the end of August. Subsequently, they inspected the construction works over the Musi River at Moosarambagh, highlighting its advantages to the community. When the Chief Secretary inquired about the land acquisition process, officials informed him that additional assets still need to be secured. Following this, they reviewed the sewage treatment plant projects initiated by the Water Board and directed the relevant officers to expedite their completion. The Chief Secretary assured that funding for the Old City Metro is enough and has urged officials to swiftly finalise the asset acquisition for the project. He emphasised the need to accelerate the flyover construction through the GHMC SRDP and other infrastructure initiatives. He plans to monitor the progress of the Moosarambagh Bridge works closely, assuring the public that these projects will be completed without causing any inconvenience. Furthermore, all sewage treatment plants being developed by the Water Board will be made operational.
Globe and Mail
13-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
FY2024 Dubai Real Estate Market Highlights: A Year of Growth and Transition
With a stellar 2024, Betterhomes remains bullish on Dubai's off-plan real estate investments in 2025 and beyond. Dubai's real estate market set new benchmarks in 2024, achieving a record-breaking transaction value of AED 423.36 billion from over 168,405 sales transactions, a growth of 30% in transaction value and 40% in transaction volume year-on-year (YoY). The off-plan Dubai market accounted for 63% of total transactions and showed a remarkable 66% YoY growth, making new off-plan developments in Dubai attractive options for global investors. According to the Dubai Real Estate Market FY2024, Dubai's real estate market is poised for stabilization as the population grows, with over 72,000 residential units expected to enter the market. While price growth may moderate, demand remains robust, especially with infrastructure initiatives in the pipeline. Projects like Etihad Rail Network and Dubai's Metro Line will improve connectivity and intra-city travel and foster quicker urban expansion. 2024 has also been a landmark year for luxury off-plan investment in Dubai, with the prime property market (properties valued over AED 15 million) hitting unprecedented highs with 1,938 total transactions in the secondary market. With 40 super-prime transactions exceeding AED 100 million, Dubai continues to attract high-net-worth individuals seeking bespoke properties and exceptional lifestyles, pointing toward significant growth in 2025 for off-plan property sale Dubai. Tourism remains a key economic growth area, with various initiatives heavily influencing retail, hospitality, and real estate demand in the sector, bolstering the rental market. Additionally, the Smart Rental Index launch in 2025 promises to enhance transparency and fairness in rental pricing. From luxury penthouses to accessible apartments, Dubai's real estate market represents the UAE's economic resilience and global appeal. Dubai's reputation as a global real estate hotspot continues to shine, and off-plan properties are now at the heart of its thriving market. With high returns, flexible payment plans, and luxurious developments, off-plan projects in Dubai represent an exciting opportunity for investors around the globe. 'As we reflect on another year of incredible growth and transformation, I am reminded of what makes Dubai's real estate market truly exceptional. It's not just the skyscrapers or record-breaking transaction volumes—it's the vision, resilience, and innovation that define this city. 2024 has been a landmark year, and as we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to guiding our clients and creating lasting value,' said Louis Harding, Chief Executive Officer of Betterhomes. For more information, visit In a market where so many real estate agencies promise the world but fail to deliver, Betterhomes stands apart. As one of Dubai's oldest and most prominent full-service real estate brokerages, each of Betterhomes' agents is a community specialist committed to delivering an authentic, quality-driven, client-first service. According to Harding, what sets off-plan properties apart are their lower initial prices against completed units, flexible payment plans, and potential for high returns on investment (ROI). Dubai's off-plan market offers a variety of property types to suit different preferences and investment needs. Located in high-demand areas like Downtown Dubai and Marina, off-plan apartments cater to professionals and families, with units ranging from studio units to penthouses for sale with breathtaking views and luxury finishings. Alternatively, buyers seeking space and privacy can opt for off-plan villas for sale in developments like Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches, which offer sprawling layouts, private gardens, and community facilities. For families or investors looking for mid-size properties, buying off-plan townhouses is becoming increasingly popular in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Dubai South. As an option, they could consider off-plan properties in mixed-use communities such as Dubai Creek Harbour and Business Bay, combining residential, retail, and office spaces. Dubai's impressive YoY growth performance underscores investor confidence and robust demand for highly desirable off-plan properties, featuring cutting-edge designs, eco-friendly technologies, and resort-style amenities. Working with homeowners and landlords in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for almost 40 years, Betterhomes has grown in tandem with the real estate sector, selling over 30,000 homes and building a network of satisfied clients. It's why property owners choose Betterhomes to sell or rent their properties time and time again. About the Company: Established in 1986, Betterhomes is one of Dubai's oldest and most prominent full-service real estate brokerages. Starting as a small operation from a dining room, the company has grown into a regional leader with over 250 agents and offices across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Motor City. Recognized for its comprehensive services, Betterhomes specializes in residential and commercial property sales, leasing, property management, mortgage advisory, and luxury real estate through its subsidiary PRIME by Betterhomes. Media Contact Company Name: Betterhomes Contact Person: Elsa Angelo Email: Send Email Phone: +971600522233 Address: 42nd floor, Vision Tower, Business Bay City: Dubai Country: United Arab Emirates Website:
