Environmentalists have raised serious concerns over the Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana (PMAY) projects in Navi Mumbai, alleging that these developments are encroaching upon protected mangrove zones and violating environmental regulations. The complaint, submitted by the NatConnect Foundation through the PMO Public Grievance website, highlights potential breaches in both central and state environmental clearances.
The projects in question, particularly those in Mansarovar and Kharghar, are situated perilously close to sensitive ecological areas, including mangroves, mudflats, and inter-tidal wetlands. According to NatConnect, the construction in Kharghar has come alarmingly close to the mangroves, with some buildings situated merely 8 to 25 metres from these vital ecosystems. The environmental clearances granted for these projects mandated a strict 50-metre buffer zone around mangroves to prevent ecological damage, with additional requirements for dense vegetation to mitigate dust emissions. However, evidence provided by NatConnect, including recent Google Earth imagery and on-ground photographs, suggests that these conditions are not being met.
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had previously decreed that construction within the 50-metre mangrove buffer zone was prohibited, and a 100-metre setback from the creek was necessary. Despite these regulations, the Kharghar project reportedly encroaches into this restricted area, raising concerns about potential flooding and environmental degradation. Jyoti Nadkarni from the Kharghar Hills and Wetland Forum has warned that the construction could shift the high tide line towards Panvel Creek, leading to increased flooding risk in adjacent areas. This issue is compounded by global concerns over rising sea levels and the impact of climate change on coastal regions.
NatConnect Foundation has called for an immediate, thorough investigation into these violations. They have offered to assist investigation teams to ensure that the integrity of the mangrove zones and the safety of future residents are safeguarded. The group underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, especially when public funds are involved in such projects. The concerns raised reflect a broader issue of balancing development with environmental conservation, highlighting the need for stringent oversight and adherence to regulatory guidelines to protect sensitive ecosystems.
