Pune: NIBM annexe citizens forum moots measures for CCT project on NIBM hill and retaining wall around loose hillock
Pune: NIBM annexe citizens forum moots measures for CCT project on NIBM hill and retaining wall around loose hillock
The NIBM annexe residents under the aegis of NIBM annexe forum met forest department officials on Wednesday and recorded their statement on destruction of forest area and the subsequent consequences on the urban population residing in NIBM annexe. NIBM annexe forum director Jaymala Dhankikar had petitioned the ministry of forests, New Delhi and had sought a detailed inspection of the environmental degradation in the area.
Forest department staffer Vishal Yadav met the committee members and listened to their grievances. He recorded the statements of Dhankikar in front of two eyewitnesses and all the papers were signed and thumb impressions were taken. The statements were read before the members present for their satisfaction as per the law.
The citizens mooted for Continous Contour Trenching (CCT) to be carried on NIBM hill, completion of incomplete fencing wall and construction of retaining wall on the collapsing and dangerous hill portion opposite Dorabjee Heritage Mall.
Dhankikar in her address said “ As citizens we are doing are level best for the area due to complete failure of the civic authorities. Rain water is flowing full speed down from the hill leading to inundation of parking lots of Ganga Kingston society including accumulation of rain water in the lift ducts of the society. Also we expressed our concern regarding the loose hill portion opposite Heritage mall which is collapsing and can result in tragedy. It is the duty of all the concerned government officials whose eyes are open to what is happening so that a major environmental disaster does not take place ,” she said.
Daljeet Goraya, another director of the forum said “ Over the years rapid urbanization has become a cause of concern as environmental destruction is taking place at frenetic pace and there is a need to safeguard the citizens from the environmental crisis. We got a positive response from the forest department and will work closely with them in the coming days to mitigate factors related to climate change ,” he said.
Dhankikar in her letter to the Ministry of Environment and Forests had demanded environmental impact assessment and damage to NIBM reserve forest area on Aug 7, 2024.
