JUDGMENT - M.B. SHAH, C.J.:---Heard the learned Counsel for all the parties exhaustively.

2. The petitioners in this public interest petition contend that there is large-scale illegal construction activity and deforestation in the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani region, resulting in widespread environmental and ecological damage to these two hill stations and the area around them. It is the case of the petitioners that the provisions of the Regional Plan for Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani (1984-2001) are being violated and that construction is being carried on in breach of the provisions of the Building Bye Laws and Development Control Rules. The petitioners further contend that agricultural land is being extensively used for non-agricultural purposes such as hotels, holiday homes, luxurious private bungalows. The petitioners also contend that the forests of the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani region are being depleted at an alarming rate and that there are continuing non-forest activities being carried on in forest areas and which are not being curbed. The petitioners have also submitted that the natural and man-made heritage of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani need to be protected and preserved. The petitio

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