Navi Mumbai: Hundreds of citizens gathered at CBD Belapur in Navi Mumbai, forming a human chain to protest against authorities’ failure to address extensive encroachment on landslide-susceptible Belapur Hill slopes, despite court and govt orders. The hill slopes now house 30 religious establishments occupying over 2.3 lakh square feet area, which Cidco has declared illegal and issued removal notices last year. Cidco acknowledged these structures violate the Supreme Court’s 2009 ruling prohibiting temples, churches, mosques, and gurudwaras in public spaces.
Cido said it carried out a demolition drive before last monsoon, but the structures came up again. B N Kumar, NatConnect Foundation Director, who initiated a campaign to safeguard the hill and residents from landslides, noted that the state govt assured the Maharashtra Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) last August about Cidco’s planned demolition. Kapil Kulkarni, residing in Kalpataru Cooperative Housing Society, which experienced two landslides, reported that no action occurred nearly six months post-MSHRC order, with some structures actually expanding.
“We fear an Irshalwadi-like catastrophe as these temples on unstable ground attract hundreds of devotees,” stated local activist Himanshu Katkar. He warned that some temples can hold over 1,500 people, risking lives in case of landslides. Protesters displayed signs reading “Save Belapur Hills“, “Relocate Temples”, “People’s Lives Matter”, “Save Environment”, “Temples on the Hill slopes endanger all”, “Protect Our Green Cover”, “Stop Deforestation”.
Businesswoman Aamrita Karnavat clarified, “We’re not opposing cow sheds or temples, but they need safer locations.” She expressed concern over diminishing greenery despite numerous complaints. Activist Sushil Patil highlighted residents’ decade-old complaints to Cidco about illegal construction, receiving only empty promises. Col Benjamin, an ex-serviceman, expressed community distress over environmental damage by vested interests, affirming their commitment to forest protection.
Several participants noted the hill’s deterioration is visible from Cidco headquarters. Vashi resident Anil Singh questioned the need for formal complaints or legal action. RTI activist Sudhir Dani criticised Cidco management’s disregard for court and Mantralaya directives. Recently, the Urban Development Department reminded Cidco’s managing director and Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner about the Human Rights Commission order after NatConnect warned of contempt proceedings against non-compliant govt bodies. A Cidco official said it informed the local level committee of its readiness to launch action.
