Supreme Court issues notice to Goa and others over Bhutani project in Sancoale

The Supreme Court of India has issued a formal notice to the Goa state government and additional respondents in response to a petition that questions the Bhutani project being undertaken in the coastal village of Sancoale. The petition, filed by environmental and local groups, seeks a stay on the project, alleging that it may violate statutory clearances and affect the fragile coastal ecosystem.

In its order, the court directed the respondents to appear and submit their replies within a stipulated timeframe, signalling that the matter will be examined on its merits. The notice underscores the judiciary's role in scrutinising large‑scale development initiatives that could have environmental or social repercussions.

The Bhutani project, whose specifics were not detailed in the notice, has drawn opposition from residents who fear displacement and ecological damage. The Supreme Court’s intervention comes as part of a broader legal scrutiny of infrastructure projects across the country, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and public interest considerations.

The case remains pending, with the court likely to schedule further hearings after reviewing the submissions from the state and other parties involved.