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 CIDCO’s “inaction.”
This follows a complaint from NatConnect Foundation about CIDCO’s delay in addressing illegal structures spread across 2.3 lakh square feet, despite a Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) order over six months ago.
The issue has gained significance ahead of a religious event organized by Saptashringi Charitable Trust on February 23. Publicity materials for the event indicate invitations to several politicians. Documents submitted to the MSHRC reveal that CIDCO had issued a demolition notice to the trust in May last year for occupying nearly 13,000 square feet. According to CIDCO, 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 NatConnect director B. N. Kumar’s Right to Information (RTI) query about the progress of the MSHRC order, which directed both CIDCO and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to act against illegal religious structures on public land.
Initially, the UDD informed Kumar that it had reminded CIDCO and NMMC about the commission’s directive. However, Kumar filed a first appeal under RTI, stating that both agencies had taken no action despite the looming monsoon season, which could lead to disastrous landslides.
Hearing the appeal, UDD joint secretary Subrao Shinde issued a signed order stating that Kumar could formally escalate the matter to the government. Simultaneously, Shinde instructed CIDCO to take action based on Kumar’s concerns and keep him informed.
The MSHRC had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of media reports from the #SaveBelapurHills campaign, which warned of landslide risks to temples, devotees, and residents in nearby housing societies.
Several housing societies at the base of the hill have already suffered landslide damage, including broken retaining walls. The risk has intensified due to the removal of tree cover for encroachments, further loosening the hill’s soil, warned local activist Kapil Kulkarni.
Activists emphasize that their concerns are not against religious structures but about safety. They urge that such structures be relocated to secure locations away from landslide-prone areas. CIDCO itself has stated that it allots plots to social organizations.
