The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is facing allegations of environmental violations concerning its Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing projects in Navi Mumbai.
According to a complaint filed by the NatConnect Foundation with the Prime Minister’s Office, the ongoing housing developments in Mansarovar and Kharghar are infringing on critical mangrove buffer zones and inter-tidal wetlands. The complaint, which has been forwarded to Arvind Kumar Agrawal, Director at the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), highlights that the construction is in proximity to protected mangrove areas.
NatConnect Foundation has bolstered its case with Google Earth imagery and on-site photographs, underscoring the environmental impact of these projects. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the compound wall of the Kharghar project, located near the railway station, is dangerously close to mangroves, with only an 8 to 25-metre gap separating the development from these vital ecosystems. An official of NatConnect Foundation, argues that this proximity breaches both central and state environmental clearances, which mandate a minimum distance to safeguard mangroves.
CIDCO officials, however, assert that the project adheres to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. They noted that the environmental clearance, received on July 8, 2020, was granted under transit-oriented development (TOD) guidelines. The project, which began in November 2020 and faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is slated for completion by 2025. The development encompasses 17 towers with 2BHK flats, and the allocation of these units will be managed through a lottery system.
Despite CIDCO’s assurances, concerns persist regarding compliance with CRZ guidelines, which prohibit construction within 50 metres of mangroves and require a 100-metre setback for creeks. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had previously flagged similar issues, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to environmental regulations. Critics, including local environmental groups and residents, argue that the construction could exacerbate flooding risks and disrupt natural water courses. They contend that urban expansion into vulnerable coastal areas amidst rising sea levels poses a severe environmental threat.
The NatConnect Foundation has called for an immediate on-site investigation to address these concerns and ensure compliance with environmental safeguards. They have offered to assist in the investigation, emphasising the importance of protecting taxpayer-funded projects and maintaining environmental integrity.
