The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) of Maharashtra has decided to halt the demolition of illegal religious structures on Belapur Hill due to concerns about potential landslides caused by heavy rains. This decision comes after the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) took notice of the landslide risks on the hill, which could endanger lives and properties on and below the slope.
CIDCO had issued notices to 30 illegal religious structures covering a significant area on the hill. The NatConnect Foundation obtained information under the RTI Act, revealing that these structures occupied over 3.2 lakh square feet, equivalent to the carpet area of approximately 400 one BHK flats. The MSHRC has served notices to the state government, CIDCO, and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to provide explanations regarding the situation.
B N Kumar, Director of NatConnect, expressed concerns about the unstable slopes and highlighted the potential for tragedies similar to those in Wayanad due to illegal construction activities. He emphasized the need for preventive measures to address the risks posed by the unstable hill slope. CIDCO initiated the demolition process with the support of over 100 policemen but had to suspend the operation after encountering difficulties during heavy rainfall.
The video footage from the hill slope revealed cracks on the path and walls, indicating the precarious situation. Residents living below the hill, such as Himanshu Katkar from Kalpataru Cooperative Housing Society, participated in a silent human chain protest to draw attention to the landslide threats. Kumar raised questions about the delay in addressing the issue, considering that complaints were first lodged in 2015.
CIDCO explained to the MSHRC that the lack of police security hindered the planned demolition work, as bulldozing religious structures is a sensitive matter. NatConnect urged the Commission to involve the police commissioner in the case to provide additional perspectives. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation pledged to cooperate with CIDCO in the demolition process.
There is a jurisdictional dispute between CIDCO and NMMC regarding the planning authority for the area, leading the MSHRC to seek clarity from the State Chief Secretary. The next hearing is scheduled for August 26 to further address the situation and potential risks associated with the demolition of illegal structures on Belapur Hill. The decision to suspend the demolition reflects the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and preventing potential disasters due to landslides and heavy rainfall.
