Mumbai: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dismissed an appeal filed by an environmental activist challenging the construction of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple at Ulwe, Navi Mumbai.
The Tribunal passed the order after the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) clarified that the temple construction does not fall within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and hence, does not violate CRZ norms.
NGT Rejects Environmentalist’s Challenge to Ulwe Temple Construction
In its order, the Tribunal while rejecting the contentions raised by the activist regarding alleged violations of CRZ laws and purported threats to ecologically sensitive mangrove and wetland areas, terming them unfounded, held “We are of the firm opinion that, as of now, there is no violation being committed by TTD in the construction of the temple at the site in question. This has also been submitted on oath. Furthermore, TTD has informed the Tribunal that if any future construction is proposed within the CRZ area, prior permission will be obtained from the appropriate authority. In view of the above observations, we see no reason to proceed further in the appeal, and the same deserves to be dismissed.”
MCZMA Confirms Project Falls in Non-CRZ Zone
In response to the allegations, the TTD clarified that the project map, as per the CRZ Notification 2019, shows that the temple and other associated structures are situated in the Non-CRZ Zone.
TTD Says Gardens in CRZ-II Will Remain Unbuilt, Will Seek Permission If Needed
It also stated that, “The proposed garden and ground are located in the CRZ-II zone, and not within the mangrove buffer or CRZ-I area. No construction is planned in these zones. The garden will consist only of a grass lawn, and the ground will remain an open, unconstructed space. Hence, the project will not disturb the ecology or obstruct the movement of intertidal water from the sea, if any.”
TTD further assured the Tribunal that these CRZ-II areas (the garden and ground) are not part of the initial development, and that in case any future construction is planned in these zones, prior approval from MCZMA will be obtained.
TTD Lawyer Calls Order a Green Light for Continued Work
Advocate Harshavardhan Bhende, appearing on behalf of the TTD, told Free Press Journal: “We filed an affidavit clarifying to the NGT that the temple construction is entirely within the Non-CRZ zone. The appellant’s claims — including the argument that the MCZMA advised the project proponent to wait for the 2019 Notification — were strongly opposed both by MCZMA and by us. The Tribunal also noted that no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims.”
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Adv. Bhende further added that the judgment reinforces the legality of the ongoing project: “The Tribunal has rightly held that TTD is not in violation with regard to the temple construction. This paves the way for the project to continue and for the temple to be built at the designated site.”
