In a significant victory for residents of Navi Mumbai, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has delivered a ruling rejecting CIDCO’s petition to auction a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) plot in the NRI Seawoods Colony.
The decision marks the culmination of months of activism, legal battles, and community mobilisation to preserve the ecologically sensitive area. The NGT’s Western Zone bench, led by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Dr Vijay Kulkarni, upheld the sanctity of the CRZ regulations by barring CIDCO from proceeding with the sale of nearly two-thirds of the 25,000 sq metre plot, situated in sector 54-56. Notably, CRZ 1 areas, which encompass mangroves and coral reefs, are deemed ecologically crucial, while CRZ-2 zones restrict unauthorised construction along the coastline. Despite CIDCO’s contention that a revised Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) in 2019 should have influenced the decision, the NGT stood firm in its verdict, affirming the importance of adhering to existing regulations. The tribunal’s refusal to entertain CIDCO’s challenge underscores its commitment to upholding environmental safeguards and protecting vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
Central to the success of the residents’ campaign was the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS) and a group of dedicated citizens, who fervently opposed CIDCO’s attempts to circumvent CRZ regulations. Their legal advocacy, spearheaded by advocates Zaman Ali, Meennaz Kakalia, and Akash Rebello, proved instrumental in securing this landmark ruling. Furthermore, the NGT’s decision serves as a precedent for environmental activism, showcasing the power of grassroots mobilisation and legal recourse in safeguarding natural habitats. By prioritising environmental preservation over commercial interests, the tribunal has reaffirmed its role as a guardian of ecological integrity, setting a benchmark for responsible urban development practices. As Navi Mumbai residents celebrate this legal triumph, the NGT’s verdict sends a resounding message: environmental justice cannot be compromised, and community-driven efforts can indeed shape policy outcomes in favour of sustainable development.
