Belapur Hill in Navi Mumbai has become embroiled in a contentious land grab controversy involving approximately 2,30,000 square feet occupied by 30 illegal religious structures. This encroachment, uncovered through information obtained via the Right to Information (RTI) Act by NatConnect Foundation, underscores systemic failures in oversight and land management.
The sprawling illegal structures, including a temple occupying 4,000 square metres, have encroached upon sensitive terrain known for its susceptibility to landslides. Activists have raised concerns over the environmental impact, citing indiscriminate tree felling exacerbating the risk of geological instability.Efforts to address the issue have been fraught with bureaucratic hurdles. Despite complaints dating back to 2014-15, regulatory bodies such as the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have only recently initiated actions following interventions by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and subsequent directives to investigate.The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue, issuing notices to relevant authorities including Cidco, to address the violations and environmental hazards posed by these structures.
Cidco, responsible for planning and development in the region, has faced criticism for the delayed response, compounded by logistical challenges in executing demolition orders due to the absence of adequate police support. The corporation has initiated legal proceedings, including notices for demolition and discontinuation of utility services, yet operational constraints have hindered timely execution.Residents and environmentalists, under the banner of ‘Save Belapur Hills’, have staged protests highlighting the need for immediate corrective action to preserve the ecological integrity of the area. Concerns extend beyond land encroachment to encompass public safety risks posed by large congregations at these unauthorised sites, echoing broader societal implications.As stakeholders await judicial hearings scheduled by the MSHRC, questions linger over the accountability of regulatory bodies and the adequacy of existing legal frameworks in preventing such encroachments. The case underscores the imperative for robust governance and proactive environmental stewardship in safeguarding Mumbai’s natural heritage amidst urban expansion.
