Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation faces criticism for de-reserving plots on water bodies, raising concerns among environmentalists
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation faces criticism for de-reserving plots on water bodies, raising concerns among environmentalists
In a significant environmental concern, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has raised eyebrows by de-reserving plots on ‘protected’ water bodies, a move criticized by local environmentalists. This decision is part of NMMC’s new development plan, the first in 33 years, aimed at shaping the city’s growth for the next two decades. Critics argue that these de-reservations are thinly veiled attempts to benefit the real estate sector.
Director of NatConnect Foundation, B N Kumar, expressed dismay, calling it a “major environmental shock.” He highlighted the short-sightedness of the approach, emphasizing the importance of wetlands for biodiversity, local communities dependent on fishing, and their role as water absorbers. Kumar recalled suggesting the name “Flamingo City” for Navi Mumbai in 2019 when municipal corporation initiatives were focused on flamingo conservation.
Former municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar’s earlier efforts to conserve flamingo destinations, including the DPS Lake, faced obstacles from the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), according to Kumar. He lamented the current move to de-reserve wetlands, stating it contradicts previous conservation efforts.
Sunil Agrawal, Founder of Save Navi Mumbai Environment Group, expressed similar concerns, pointing out that the revised NMMC draft proposes residential towers on wetlands, ignoring their protected status as per Supreme Court orders. He criticized decisions made without elected representatives and raised worries about the city’s sustainability and liveability.
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The Supreme Court’s order from October 4, 2017, emphasized protecting over 2 lakh wetlands, reiterating principles from the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) issued a memorandum in March 2022, reinforcing the need to protect wetlands as per the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA), 2011.
In response, the affidavit from the Director of Maharashtra State Environment & Climate Control Department to the Bombay High Court claimed only one verified wetland in Thane, including Navi Mumbai. It stated ongoing court matters and requested documentation from the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management.
The NMMC development plan, delayed multiple times, aims to address transportation, infrastructure, affordable housing, and overall quality of life. Despite attempts, reaching NMMC officials for comments proved unsuccessful. The situation raises serious concerns about the city’s future environmental sustainability.
