New Delhi, April 2, 2025 – The Supreme Court has criticized certain NGOs for repeatedly attempting to halt development projects by raising unfounded environmental concerns. Dismissing an appeal by the ‘Kahar Samaj Panch Committee’ against a floating solar power project at Jayakwadi Dam, the court emphasized that such initiatives are in line with government policies promoting renewable energy.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh observed that some NGOs are being used to impede India’s development, potentially backed by losing bidders or external influences. The court noted that even eco-friendly projects, such as the one proposed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) at Jayakwadi Dam—an earthen dam on the Godavari River in Maharashtra—are facing resistance under the guise of environmental protection.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had earlier dismissed the NGO’s claims that the project would harm local biodiversity and disrupt bird habitats in the eco-sensitive zone. The tribunal ruled that the NGO failed to provide legal grounds to prohibit floating solar projects in such areas.

While acknowledging the importance of genuine environmental advocacy, the Supreme Court warned against the misuse of legal avenues to stall infrastructure projects, stating that it has become a common tactic by project opponents to delay progress under the pretext of ecological concerns.