Key Points:
- Supreme Court overturns NGT ban on Auroville Township project.
- Emphasizes equal importance of development and environmental protection.
- Auroville is planned as a universal township for 50,000 residents.
- Project faced opposition due to environmental concerns and tree cutting.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has recently overturned an order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that halted construction activities for the ambitious Auroville Township project in Puducherry. In a landmark ruling, the apex court emphasized that sustainable development must strike a balance between environmental protection and developmental rights, declaring both as equally important fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
This decision came in response to legal challenges initiated by environmental activists and local residents, who alleged that the project involved extensive tree-cutting and threatened the ecological balance of the area. The NGT’s earlier ruling had mandated an environmental clearance before proceeding with any further construction, citing potential harm to green spaces established since the 1970s.
However, the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and P.B. Varale found no violation of environmental laws in the township’s development plans. The court stated that while principles like “precautionary” and “polluter pays” are integral to India’s environmental jurisprudence, they must coexist harmoniously with societal and economic growth objectives.
Auroville, envisioned as a universal city dedicated to human unity, was founded in 1968 by spiritual leader Mira Alfassa, known affectionately as “The Mother,” inspired by philosopher-yogi Sri Aurobindo. The township is designed to accommodate up to 50,000 residents from across the globe, divided into distinct zones cultural, international, industrial, and residential centered around a striking golden-domed structure called Matrimandir or “the soul of the city.”
Initially, Auroville was established on severely degraded land suffering from desertification. Over decades, community efforts have transformed it into an ecologically vibrant area through extensive reforestation projects involving millions of trees. The township is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy systems, water conservation practices, and ecological restoration.
Despite its eco-friendly credentials, recent expansions particularly road construction under the township’s Galaxy Plan sparked controversy among residents concerned about potential damage to forested areas. These disputes led to prolonged litigation before various judicial bodies.
In its latest judgment, the Supreme Court not only cleared legal hurdles for Auroville’s continued development but also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on a resident who repeatedly filed petitions obstructing developmental activities. The court clarified that NGT had exceeded its jurisdiction in this matter and directed authorities to resume planned construction activities promptly.
This landmark ruling underscores India’s ongoing challenge of balancing rapid urbanization and infrastructure growth with essential ecological preservation a debate central not only to Auroville but also reflective of broader national priorities.
