Navi Mumbai Activists Demand Immediate Action on Landslide-Prone Belapur Hills
Environmental advocacy groups in Navi Mumbai have issued a strong demand for the immediate enforcement of no-development regulations on the critically landslide-prone Belapur Hills. The Save Belapur Hills Forum and NatConnect Foundation are leading this urgent call, highlighting persistent safety concerns and administrative inaction.
Human Chain Protest Planned for February 22
In response to what they describe as escalating environmental degradation and official apathy, activists have organized a 'Human Chain' awareness campaign. This event is scheduled to take place at Mahakali Chowk, near the CBD-Belapur bus depot, on February 22. The protest aims to draw public and governmental attention to the urgent need for protective measures on the hills.
Allegations of Illegal Encroachments and Ineffective Actions
The activists' concerns were reignited by the appearance of billboards across Belapur announcing a foundation day event by a trust. According to the groups, this trust is listed in Cidco's legal and official records as an encroacher on the hills. In an open letter, they detailed several instances of failed enforcement:
- Cidco's attempted demolition of illegal structures in July 2024 during the monsoon, which the activists labeled as 'cosmetic' and was halted due to landslide risks.
- Letters from Cidco to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) requesting disconnection of water and power supplies to these structures, measures that allegedly remained unimplemented.
State Human Rights Commission Directives Ignored
Kapil Kulkarni, a member of the Save Belapur Hills Forum, emphasized the gravity of the situation. 'The Sunday Human Chain is organized to protest against the environmental degradation and administrative apathy,' he stated. Kulkarni pointed out that despite clear directives issued by the State Human Rights Commission in August 2024, which ordered Cidco and NMMC authorities to remove illegal encroachments, no substantial action has been taken to date.
Broader Environmental and Safety Implications
The ongoing development and encroachment activities on Belapur Hills pose significant risks, including potential landslides that could endanger local communities and ecosystems. The activists argue that the lack of enforcement not only violates environmental norms but also disregards public safety protocols. They are calling for:
- Strict adherence to no-development zones as per regulatory guidelines.
- Immediate removal of all illegal structures identified by authorities.
- Enhanced monitoring and preventive measures to mitigate landslide threats.
This campaign underscores a growing movement in Navi Mumbai to prioritize environmental conservation and regulatory compliance in urban planning efforts.
