The government blocked the diversion of a local river and also sought agreement from developers that nearby mangroves will not be destroyed. But in other ways, the ministry has softened its stance. It's given authorities the all-clear to level a 90 metre-high hill for the construction of two parallel runways. Mr Ramesh insisted that the development needed to be environmentally friendly, ecologically sound and energy efficient. Areas like Navi Mumbai, he said, had to be protected as the green lungs of India's financial capital.
Once it's completed, the authorities hope the new airport will ease air traffic congestion and entice more people to do business in the Navi Mumbai area. Local reports say the airport will take four years to build and by 2030 it will be able to handle 40 million passengers a year.