The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has directed the Raigad district collector to investigate alleged violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines in Prime Minister's Awas Yojana (PMAY) projects in Navi Mumbai. The NarConnect Foundation lodged a complaint, citing construction near sensitive ecological zones like mangroves and mudflats in Mansarovar and Kharghar. Satellite images and photographs suggest non-compliance with environmental clearances that mandate a 50-metre mangrove buffer zone and a 100-metre setback from the creek.
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had reportedly instructed the Raigad district collector to investigate the alleged violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines during the implementation of the Prime Minister's Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Navi Mumbai. This action was prompted by a complaint lodged by the NarConnect Foundation on the Public Grievance portal of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), which claimed that several PMAY projects, particularly those in the Mansarovar and Kharghar areas, were constructed in proximity to sensitive ecological zones, including mangroves, mudflats, and inter-tidal wetlands.
In response to this complaint, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC) had instructed the MCZMA to look into the matter and carry out a thorough investigation.
According to the environmental clearance (EC) summary issued by MOEFCC, it was explicitly stated that no mangroves should be affected during the construction process, and a 50-metre buffer zone around the mangroves should be maintained. Moreover, the clearance stipulated that a dense line of tall trees and foliage should be maintained along the buffer zone to minimise the risk of fugitive dust emissions reaching the mangrove areas. These environmental clearances had been granted following inspections conducted by the state mangrove cell, which had emphasised the importance of preserving the mangrove zones in the region.
To support their claims, NarConnect Foundation submitted recent satellite images from Google Earth, along with photographs taken at the site, to further substantiate the allegation of a violation of environmental regulations. During the 143rd meeting of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, which was held in the past, it was noted that the project sites were partially located within the CRZ I zone, which imposes strict restrictions on construction activities.
As a result, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) was prohibited from carrying out construction within the 50-metre mangrove buffer zone and was required to maintain a minimum 100-metre setback from the creek. Despite these regulations, CIDCO had denied any violations of CRZ rules, asserting that they were in compliance with all required guidelines.
Environmentalists have called for a comprehensive on-site investigation to assess the situation and ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect both the environment and the communities in the area. They also emphasised the importance of safeguarding taxpayer money being utilised for the PMAY project. In particular, environmentalists have raised alarm over the long-term safety risks for the 10,000 individuals who are set to reside in the Kharghar project, stressing that they could be exposed to the dangers of tidal waves and other ecological hazards due to the project's proximity to sensitive coastal zones.
In conclusion, the investigation into the alleged CRZ violations in the PMAY projects in Navi Mumbai underscores the need for strict adherence to environmental guidelines. The concerns raised by NarConnect Foundation and environmentalists about the proximity of construction to sensitive ecological areas, like mangroves, highlight potential risks of flooding and long-term environmental damage. A thorough review and appropriate corrective measures are crucial to ensure the safety of both the environment and future residents, as well as proper utilisation of taxpayer money.
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