Eco-Sustainable Urbanization: Evaluating the Efficacy of Environmental Governance in Mumbai’s Building Sector

As Mumbai accelerates toward becoming a global urban hub, the environmental burdens of its construction sector have become increasingly unsustainable. This article explores the efficacy of environmental governance in regulating the real estate and infrastructure boom within the city. Anchored in the doctoral research of author, the study delves into legal, institutional, and administrative frameworks aimed at mitigating ecological harm, while questioning their practical effectiveness. Drawing on key legislative instruments such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, along with judicial interventions by the National Green Tribunal and the Bombay High Court, this article offers a holistic evaluation of the mechanisms in place. It further investigates the extent to which principles of sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and participatory governance are embedded in practice. The analysis ultimately calls for a deeper shift in governance ideology—from reactive compliance to proactive ecological stewardship.