In a dual move, the state government has directed CIDCO to take action against encroachments by religious structures on the landslide-prone Belapur Hills, while also allowing green activists to challenge the city planner’s “inaction.”
This follows a complaint by the NatConnect Foundation about CIDCO’s prolonged delay in addressing illegal structures spread across 2.3 lakh square feet, despite a Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) order issued over six months ago.
The issue gains significance ahead of a religious event organized by the Saptashringi Charitable Trust on February 23. Publicity materials indicate that several politicians have been invited. The trust occupies nearly 13,000 square feet, for which CIDCO had served a demolition notice in May last year, as per documents submitted to the MSHRC. CIDCO claims it has issued notices to 29 trusts on Belapur Hill and one on Parsik Hill and is “willing to take action” in line with a Supreme Court order.
Meanwhile, the Urban Development Department (UDD) responded to an RTI query by NatConnect director B.N. Kumar regarding progress post-MSHRC’s directive to CIDCO and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to act against illegal religious structures in public spaces.
Initially, the UDD stated that it had reminded CIDCO and NMMC of the Human Rights Commission’s order. However, Kumar filed an appeal, arguing that no action had been taken. With the monsoon approaching, the risk of landslides looms large.
In a signed order, first appeal authority Subrao Shinde acknowledged Kumar’s concerns and stated that he could formally escalate the matter to the government. Simultaneously, Shinde, who is also a joint secretary in the UDD, directed CIDCO to act on Kumar’s concerns and provide an update.
The MSHRC had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of media reports from the #SaveBelapurHills campaign, highlighting the risks of landslides to temples, visiting devotees, and residents of nearby colonies.
Housing societies at the hill’s base have already witnessed landslides damaging retaining walls. With tree cover removed to make way for encroachments, the loosened soil poses an even greater risk, warned local activist Kapil Kulkarni.
Activists emphasize that they are not against religious structures but insist that such trusts should be relocated to safer locations away from landslide-prone areas. CIDCO itself has stated that it allots plots to social organizations.