Major Relief for Builder’s in Mumbai: 5km Eco-Zone Restriction Removed

New Delhi, February 2025: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC) announced an amendment to the 2006 Environmental Notification, removing the 5km restriction on construction near Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZ) it got Effective from January 29, 2025 Across India, particularly impacting urban areas like Mumbai To allow stalled construction projects to proceed with environmental clearance from state-level authorities; By permitting buildings with a built-up area of 20,000 sqm to 150,000 sqm to Township and area development projects for 1,50,000 sqm or more to obtain Environmental Clearances while following sustainable environmental management practices

This crucial change comes after several high-profile legal rulings, including a key directive from the Kerala High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which challenged the old regulations that hindered construction projects in ecologically sensitive areas. Prior to the amendment, over 400 construction projects were put on hold from last 6 months due to the 5km ESZ clause. The revised notification allows buildings with a built-up area ranging from 20,000 sqm to 150,000 sqm to obtain Environmental Clearances, with certain exclusions. Industrial sheds, schools, colleges, and hostels for educational institutions are not covered under this relaxation.

However, approved projects must adhere to sustainable environmental management practices, including: Effective solid and liquid waste management, Implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, Use of recycled materials like fly ash bricks to minimize environmental impact, etc. This amendment represents a significant opportunity to expedite projects and contribute to the country’s growing infrastructure needs while adhering to critical environmental standards. The result? A more dynamic, forward-thinking construction landscape that embraces both development and sustainability. It marks a positive step towards creating a more sustainable and dynamic construction landscape in Mumbai.