Environmentalists and local activists have raised alarm over the potential landslide dangers posed by illegal temples on Belapur Hills. A joint delegation from the NatConnect Foundation and the Save Belapur Hills Forum met with officials from CIDCO and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), urging immediate action before the monsoon arrives.
“The landslide threat is real,” said NatConnect director B N Kumar, highlighting how trees were uprooted for temple construction, loosening the soil. Some of these structures can accommodate up to 2,000 people, worsening the risk. A previous demolition attempt by CIDCO was halted due to landslide fears, as retaining walls of nearby housing societies had already suffered damage.
NMMC Commissioner Dr. Shinde assured that the civic body is aware of the issue and has directed the encroachment department to act, following orders from the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) and the state’s urban development department.
CIDCO, citing a government resolution, stated that a municipal-level committee must decide on whether to regularize, demolish, or relocate the temples. Documents submitted to MSHRC confirm the structures fall under the “demolish” category.
Local activists Kapil Kulkarni and Sushil Patil emphasized they are not against temples but insist they should be in safer locations. As CIDCO and NMMC deliberate, concerned citizens continue to push for urgent action to prevent a potential tragedy.
