Navi Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government has directed the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to act upon the alleged encroachments by religious structures on Belapur Hill. Additionally, environmental activists raising the issue owing to the fear of landslides during monsoons have been urged to take legal action against CIDCO for its inaction on the matter.
The development follows complaints raised by NatConnect Foundation regarding CIDCO’s alleged failure to act against multiple unauthorized religious structures spread across 2.3 lakh square feet atop the hill. The structures on the hill are stated to violate an order issued nearly six months ago by the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC), which had called for their removal.
"The prolonged inaction by CIDCO, despite the environmental risks posed by these violations, has compelled the state government to step in," said the founder of NatConnect BN Kumar.
The issue was escalated through a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by NatConnect, seeking updates on the implementation of the MSHRC order. In response, the Urban Development Department (UDD) confirmed that it had reminded both CIDCO and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to comply with the directive. However, the RTI appeal highlighted that no action had been taken by either agency.
The MSHRC had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of reports related to the #SaveBelapurHills campaign, which raised concerns over landslide risks endangering temples, devotees, and residents in nearby housing societies.
Local activist Kapil Kulkarni pointed out that landslides have already damaged retaining walls of housing societies below the hill. "The situation is worsening as soil erosion increases due to the uprooting of trees for encroachments," he warned.
Following the RTI appeal, the activist was asked to formally file a complaint with the government. Simultaneously, the state also directed CIDCO to take necessary action as per the issues raised.
