Bombay HC Panel Stops Landfilling at Nerul’s Lotus Lake
Legal Action Ordered Against CIDCO for Environmental Violations
Navi Mumbai has seen a significant victory for environmentalists. The Bombay High Court’s wetland committee took swift action. They halted the landfilling at Nerul’s Lotus Lake. They also ordered legal action against CIDCO for breaking environmental laws.
Immediate Action Taken
Stalin D, a director at Vanashakti and a member of the wetland committee, filed a complaint. Akshay Gajbhiye, the committee’s member secretary, acted quickly. He instructed CIDCO’s joint MD to stop landfilling on the water body immediately. This water body is verified by the Wetland Atlas.
Stalin highlighted the committee’s responsibility. They must protect Nerul wetlands as per the Supreme Court and High Court’s orders. A forest official confirmed they stopped the landfilling. He also promised to keep monitoring the area.
Legal Proceedings Started
The wetland committee issued another crucial order. They directed the Thane district collector to initiate legal action. This is regarding the dumping of construction waste from the airport project at Lotus Lake.
S V Ramarao, the co-chairman of the wetland committee, gave specific instructions. He told Akshay Gajbhiye to speak with CIDCO and the district collector. They attempted to bury the 7.5-acre wetland.
Calls for Strict Measures
B N Kumar, Director of NatConnect, urged Ramarao to take strict action. He wants CIDCO to be punished. CIDCO allowed a private contractor to dump debris and soil from the Ulwe airport site.
Ramarao confirmed they will start proceedings under the Environment Protection Act of 1986. Kumar noted that only the environment secretary and revenue officials can file cases. This power is limited to the district collector.
Previous Requests and Judicial Orders
Aaditya Thackeray, the former state environment minister, made a request earlier. He wanted to give these powers to the forest department. But the government refused.
Pradeep Patole, an advocate, has challenged lake dumping and encroachment in the High Court before. He emphasized the clarity of judicial orders protecting the wetland.
Complications and Precedents
The situation is complex. CIDCO gave permission to contractor TPIL. They allowed the transport of soil from the airport site. The Raigad collector also waived the royalty for transportation to Nerul in Thane district.
Activists believe the contractor might avoid consequences due to CIDCO’s permission. However, the city planning officials could face scrutiny.
Environmental activists say a case filed by the Thane district collector against CIDCO would set a crucial precedent. It would address environmental violations by the city.
Sunil Agarwal, an activist, thanked Stalin. His timely intervention stopped the dumping activity.
