Capt. Dilip Vimalanand Kopikar (Retd) v. Ld. Secretary Soil And Water Conservation Department Thr. Its Chief Engineer And ANR

21-pil8-2024.doc VRJ

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION NO.8 OF 2024 VAIBHAV RAMESH JADHAV VAIBHAV RAMESH JADHAV Date: 2024.06.29 10:21:27 +0530 Capt. Dilip Vimalanand Kopikar (Retd.) ... Petitioner V/s.

Ld. Secretary, Soil & Water Conservation Department (through its Chief Engineer) & Anr.

... Respondents None for the petitioner.

Mr. P. P. Kakade, G. P. with Mr. O. A. Chandurkar, Addl. G. P., Ms. G. R. Raghuwanshi, A. G. P. and Ms. R. A. Salunkhe, A. G. P. for the respondents - State.

CORAM

: DEVENDRA KUMAR UPADHYAYA, CJ & AMIT BORKAR, J.

DATED : JUNE 28, 2024 P.C.:

1.

The case is called out. No one is present on behalf of the petitioner. On the other hand, learned AGP has submitted that the requisite process towards construction of the Dam is underway and the final decision about the design of the Dam is likely to be taken within a month. He further states that once the final decision about the design is taken, the matter

21-pil8-2024.doc shall proceed further.

2.

In view of the aforesaid, we dispose of the said PIL Petition with the direction to the State Government to finalize the decision in relation to grant of all administrative technical approvals to sanction the plan which may be required for construction of the Dam and release the budget and complete the project at the earliest possible time, preferably within a period of two years from the date of budgetary allocation to be made for the project.

3.

We further provide that in case the State is faced with any difficulty in meeting the aforesaid timelines, it will be open to them to approach the Court and seek requisite extension of time, of course giving reasons.

4.

There will be no order as to costs.

5.

This order shall be communicated by learned AGP to all concerned forthwith.

(AMIT BORKAR, J.) (CHIEF JUSTICE)