New Delhi, Describing the project as one of “eminent national importance”, the Supreme Court sought the responses of the Maharashtra government and others on Wednesday on a plea seeking permission to fell and transplant trees for the construction of a proposed institute of creative technology at Mumbai’s Film City.
He said 124 trees have to be felled and 333 transplanted for the project. He said more than 5,000 trees have been planted through the Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation. However, as a matter of abundant caution, the project proponent has come to the top court to seek its nod due to its January 10, 2025, order, he said.
The senior lawyer also said the project does not fall under the Aarey forest and is inside the Film City. The senior lawyer also said compensatory afforestation will be undertaken in accordance with the norms and the project proponent has moved the court as a matter of abundant caution. “After all, it is a project of eminent national importance,” the CJI said.
On Wednesday, Mehta said the Centre and others want to construct the National Centre of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality in the Film City.
